Obstacle Mud Runner - Issue 7

obstaclemudrunner.co.uk ForEliteAtheletes toFunRunners 14 a real insight into Royal Marine training RACE If you’re looking for the real deal mud obstacle event then look no further than The Royal Marines Commando Challenge, which takes place over the Royal Marines’ own endurance training course on Woodbury Common, near Lympstone every October. This year’s event took place on 14/15 October and plans are already afoot for the 2018 event on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 October. Why not put it in your diary now? One of the first events of its kind, 2018 sees the event celebrating its 27th year. During this time, it has raised millions of pounds for charities. It’s not just unique because of the course used, but two years ago the two charities supported by the previous organisers, Devon Air Ambulance and The Royal Marines Charity, bought the event. They now not only run the event but are also the only beneficiaries from sponsorship raised. It’s all about teamwork, working together to achieve something special. It’s about the ethos of the Royal Marines themselves; showing Cheerfulness, Courage and Determination, as well as motivation, consideration and care, achieving and working together to meet the end goal together, no matter what your ability. The Royal Marines Commando Challenge gives entrants an insight into what it’s like training to be a Royal Marine; from the infamous Sheep Dip to the Crocodile Pit and Stream Wade; each obstacle is a different experience and adventure. Participants are encouraged every step of the way by a team of volunteers, as well as the Royal Marines’ own Personal Training Instructors (PTIs) at every obstacle.  The only difference is you won’t have to carry the 32 lbs pack that recruits do. Royal Marines’ recruit training is one of the longest training programmes of any combat troops. The full phase of this training takes place at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon. This intense phase of training ends with a series of tests, which are famous the world over and known as The Commando Tests. The endurance course is the first of those tests. Every penny raised really does make a difference to the two charity owner/organisers: The Royal Marines Charity exists to help the entire Royal Marines family. The charity are strong believers in ‘once a Marine, always a Marine’ and offer a range of services to both serving and veterans. These vary from financial assistance, to advice on finding a second, meaningful career. For more information: theroyalmarinescharity.org.uk. Devon Air Ambulance is the charity which raises the £5.5 million needed annually to keep two emergency Air Ambulances flying in Devon. Since November 2016 the service now flies into the hours of darkness; up to midnight, meaning they can help save even more lives. More information: daat.org . To register your interest for the 2018 event: commandochallenge.co.uk , call 01392 466666 or email [email protected] for more info. See you there! Have you got what it takes... It’s all about teamwork, working together to achieve something special It’s about the ethos of the Royal Marines themselves ...to tackle the 2018 Royal Marines Commando Challenge?