Grapevine: 'Webber challenge' makes return

After initially feeling that the timing was not right to restage the event after the success of the first run, the Australian has now put together a three-year deal with the southern Australian island's government for the 'Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge'.

The event, which comprises of trekking, cycling and kayaking over 600 kilometres of the most difficult terrain in Tasmania, aims to raise money for charities TLC for Kids and Cancer Plus. The event takes place from November 5 - 10.

"The idea for this came about in 2001 when I did a challenge over in the UK to raise money for cancer," said Webber during the launch of the event in Melbourne on Tuesday. "That was a 1600 km cycle ride from Scotland to the bottom part of the UK.

"My grandfather lost his battle with cancer pretty harshly and I remember that pretty well. I have also seen a lot of youngsters who have also not been very fortunate.

"That is where it all came from. I didn't want to just sign another piece of memorabilia, and I wanted something that was both a challenge for myself and something that other people would respect. It is why I have decided to put the whole challenge together and the support has been superb."

Webber has ramped up his charity efforts considerably. He has already decided to donate the profits from his merchandise sales to charity this year, as well as creating the Mark Webber Challenge Foundation to help co-ordinate his charity work during the year.

Corporate teams will be able to join Webber's challenge. Further details can be found on www.markwebberchallenge.com.