There are easier ways to spend a May weekend – a long lunch, a leisurely walk ending in pastry…perhaps even a good night’s sleep. Mark Bortnik, however, chose none of these.
On 16 May, FIA’s Europe Regional Advisory Board Chair and current Kilt Challenger took on the UK’s National Three Peaks Challenge in support of Futures for Kids, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours. As if that were not enough, he did it in chilly weather while wearing a kilt.
Bortnik was not alone in this test of endurance. Joining him on the climbs was an equally fearless squad of 19 industry leaders and FIA members, including Sylvia Ahaus, James Beasley-Suffolk, Robbert Booij, Cassie Chandler, Maylis Dubarry, Jamie Gavin, Helen Gordon, Phil Hermon, Justin Hudson, Edward Monrad, Richard Pape, Will Patrick, Emma Richardson, Owain Roberts, Andy Ross, Nick Rustad, Gary Saunders, Bruce Savage and Nick Solinger.
Together, they brought the resilience, humour and shared sense of purpose needed for a challenge that depends as much on teamwork as it does on individual stamina.
As one of the UK’s best-known endurance tests, the Three Peaks Challenge involves summiting Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) within a strict 24-hour window: around 37km of hiking and more than 3,000 metres of ascent.
The real test is the climb. While the distance may sound manageable, the reality is a near-continuous uphill effort – the equivalent of climbing a skyscraper that refuses to end and then being asked to do it two more times, just to be sure. As if that were not enough, at least one peak must be tackled in total darkness, meaning headtorches and determination are essential.
Despite tough conditions and limited sleep, Bortnik and the team completed the challenge in just under 24 hours – a significant achievement. Around 90% of participants reach all three summits, with roughly 40% achieving the target time, according to the Three Peaks organisers. Finishing on time in a kilt is rarer still.
This year’s effort has already raised more than £48,000, with all funds going to Futures for Kids and the charities it supports.
“The challenge embodied what is unique about our market, with competitors across FCMs and clearinghouses working as a collective to raise money for such a brilliant cause,” Bortnik said. “I am genuinely humbled and indebted to the entire team for not only giving up their personal time, but bringing such camaraderie and humour. Altogether, a memorable experience made special by the individuals involved.”
Passing the sporran
The Kilt Challenge has become one of the industry’s most distinctive fundraising traditions in support of Futures for Kids, which raises money for organisations working to improve the lives of children around the world.
The tradition began in 2010 with former Financial Times journalist Jeremy Grant, who donned his finest kilt to raise funds before passing the sporran and, with it, the obligation to the next challenger. Since then, the sporran has made its way through a line of industry figures, including John Lothian, Simon Rostron, Clive Furness, Walt Lukken, Simon Puleston Jones, Mark Ibbotson, Emma Davey, Pat Kenny, Kim Taylor, Robbert Booij, Rama Pillai, Alicia Crighton and Chris Edmonds.
The fundraising will continue next month at the FIA IDX Gala Dinner at Old Billingsgate in London. Held at the close of FIA’s International Derivatives Expo, the gala will bring together firms and individuals from across the industry to support Futures for Kids' work through table sponsorships, raffles and donations.
It will also mark the next chapter in the Kilt Challenge, as Bortnik passes the sporran to the next challenger and keeps the tradition moving.
For now, the numbers speak for themselves: 20 participants, three peaks, one kilt – and a fundraising total that is still climbing.
Donations to Bortnik and the team can be made via the group’s JustGiving page, helping the effort continue well beyond the final summit.
