Join me on my journey: a journalist's experience competing in the Defender Trophy Challenge

You may remember the Yellow Land Rover Defenders adorned with Camel stickers and teams from around the world pushing themselves physically and mentally to the absolute limit as they vied for top honours in the world’s toughest endurance race to become the Camel Trophy winners.

January sees the revival of that iconic event, this time called the Defender Trophy, where teams will still be pushed to the limit only in new Defenders.

I’ll be there

There’s a twist this time around with a handful of journalists also competing, and I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, but I’m one of them.

I’m a huge fan of the green oval, and despite driving some of the world’s latest and greatest cars for Independent Newspapers and IOL, every time I get into my own Defender 90 TD5, it puts a massive grin on my face. 

This time round, it’s more likely to be a grimace as an ageing two-pack-a-day single malt drinker tries to relive his youth. 

At least I can comfort myself with the fact that I survived a full season of racing in the Toyota GR Cup, which isn’t half as tough as the Defender Trophy will be, but it’s still a physical and mental challenge every time you strap into a race car.

To prepare us for what lies ahead, Defender sent us some tips to prepare ourselves for the three gruelling days.

The multi-day examination of people under pressure reads like a Survivor playbook, which is fine when you’re young and fit, but for me, it’s more like something out of a Stephen King novel.

Thank goodness it won’t be won by brute strength alone because teams that make it through with consistent results are the ones that think clearly under pressure, communicate effectively, and keep pulling in the same direction when things start to unravel.

Navigation skills

According to Mark Collins, Defender Trophy marshal and veteran adventure racer, one of the most underestimated skills remains traditional navigation.

“GPS has made navigation simple, but over-reliance on electronic devices can become a serious vulnerability,” he explains. “When signal drops, batteries die or equipment fails, map and compass skills become a lifeline.”

We’ll need to be comfortable plotting routes, understanding terrain contours and making quick decisions in changing conditions. 

I’ll need to brush up on those skills which I used extensively as a young scout and later as a conscript in the army.

Driving and recovery

Collins says off-road ability is about more than pointing the nose at an obstacle and hoping for the best. Preparation needs to cover every surface competitors might encounter: sand, mud, water crossings and steep technical climbs.

Just as critical is recovery work. “Changing a tyre under pressure, fixing a winch fault, using snatch straps and traction boards safely - those are not optional skills. A small delay here can turn into a stage-ending problem very quickly.”

Off-road driving and recovery are my forte. I drive a Defender, remember?

Endurance

The physical toll of the Defender Trophy is relentless. Long hours, little rest, and the constant need to problem-solve while exhausted quickly expose weak preparation.

“Quick, creative thinking becomes very difficult when you’re physically drained,” says Collins. “Training has to be holistic - cardio, strength work, weight-bearing exercise and endurance all matter.”

Just as important is exposure to discomfort. Spending time outdoors in heat, cold, and rain builds the kind of resilience no gym session alone can deliver.

This is the Stephan King part of the Defender Challenge.

Teams

We haven’t been informed how we will be paired yet, but if there is one thread running through every successful Defender Trophy campaign, it’s cohesion. 

“Defender Trophy is won by the most cohesive, prepared and resilient team,” Collins concludes. “Train your mind, your body and your team spirit.”

I think I may have to spend some time doing some physical exercise in the next few weeks.

Boot camp, anyone?