By Bridie Walsh

Senior Iyengar Yoga instructor Frank Jesse will tackle the 80km Serra Terror endurance event in The Grampians this June long weekend.

Frank joins a team of eight named Dutch Courage. They are one of 46 teams including The Blister Sisters, Chasing the Dream, and No Man’s Feet who will take on the tough mountainous terrain. The event has attracted 300 people from around Australia.

“Applications closed early because we reached our cap,” says event organiser Keri Ross. The Serra Terror committee fielded enquiries from overseas, she says. The two-day event, now in its sixth year, is a fundraiser for the Dunkeld Community Centre.

“The course explores sections of The Grampians not usually open,” says Frank. He regularly hikes Mt Sturgeon and Mt Abrupt to enjoy the calm peaceful sense the bush provides. This weekend will test some resolve (and feet). Each team has a support crew to help them reach the finish line.

Frank’s yoga classes have been abuzz with Serra Terror talk. Many Griffins Hill Yoga regulars have entered and will be “running, walking and scrambling” their way to the finish.

Frank prepared the dedicated yogis with in-class training. He included more standing, leg and knee strengthening poses in his yoga classes like the Utthita Parsvakonasana (standing side angle pose).

To increase people’s fitness he incorporated Urdhva Dhanurasana (backbends or the upward bow) and Surya Namaskara (salutes to the sun).

You can cheer on the teams this weekend, 5-7 June. Watch the race at checkpoint one at Casedy’s Gap. Or welcome the victors and stragglers home on Sunday afternoon at the Dunkeld Community Centre. Visit the website – www.dunkeldadventure.com.au – or follow them on Facebook.

Yoga-on-the-Serra-Terror.Frank Jesse on his way to the summit of Mt William Yoga on the Serra Terror

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