On 20 June 2026, a team from setec consulting engineers took on the SAS Fan Dance, one of the UK’s most demanding endurance events, to raise money for The Passage, a London charity working to prevent and end street homelessness. Having written previously about the scale of the challenge ahead, we are pleased to confirm that the setec UK team has completed the route.
How the setec UK team got on
The Fan Dance is the original SAS Selection test route, covering 24 kilometres through the Brecon Beacons in South Wales. The route begins with an immediate ascent of Pen y Fan at 886 metres, descends to the halfway point, and returns via the notorious climb known as Jacob’s Ladder, all completed under a strict cut-off time while carrying full kit.
Barbara, HR Manager at setec consulting engineers, was part of the team and described a day that tested them from the very first step. The early kilometres brought a battle that was as much mental as physical, with blisters and adrenaline arriving in quick succession before the push toward Checkpoint 3. By the midpoint, cramp had set in and every muscle was making itself known, yet the team kept moving toward the obstacle they had heard the most about.
Jacob’s Ladder lived up to its reputation. “You genuinely question your sanity,” Barbara said. “You stop every 5 steps to catch your breath and you refuse to quit.” Beyond the climb, the route eased into a downhill stretch, and the team found another gear despite the exhaustion.
Orhan Erkul described the day as one of the most demanding things he has taken on. “A fantastic challenge, an amazing team, and an unforgettable experience,” he said. “The SAS Fan Dance was one of the most physically and mentally demanding things I’ve ever done, but it definitely took me out of my comfort zone. I’m really glad I said yes to it.”
What the setec UK team took from it
For Barbara, what stood out just as much as the physical challenge was the atmosphere on the mountain. “The camaraderie throughout the event was incredible,” she said. “The encouragement from our own team, together with the support and respect shared by every participant on the mountain, reminded us what these challenges are really about.”
Mathias Gabrat, Lead Senior Construction Assurance Support (CAS) Engineer, Geotechnical and Earthworks on the HS2 Project, echoed that sense of achievement. “Limits are only the beginning,” he said. “The SAS Fan Dance taught me how far determination can take you.”
Obi Haboush felt the same sense of reward at the finish line. “Challenging goals are never easy to achieve, they require pushing your limits,” he said. “The SAS Fan Dance tested my limits completely, but the sense of accomplishment at the finish line made every difficult step worthwhile.”
For Poornima Ambalam, the challenge carried a broader meaning. “Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world,” she said.
Looking back on the day, Barbara summed up what the challenge meant to the team as a whole. “We completed the challenge with a massive achievement and determination of everyone involved. This was a true testament to resilience, teamwork and determination. Every ache, blister and cramp was worth it.”
Please continue to support setec UK’s fundraiser
At the time of writing, the team has raised £1,570 towards helping some of London’s most vulnerable people. Donations are still very welcome, and every contribution, however small, goes directly towards The Passage’s work.
Donate via our JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/setec-1777376268835
Thank you to everyone who has supported us and The Passage.
