Thousands of people stepped in to the military boots of Royal Marine recruits this weekend (12/13 November) taking in a real life training and endurance scenario at Hever Castle
Commando Series.
The challenge included an intense warm up, 18 obstacles interspersed over either a 6 or 12km course. The gunfire, smoke and marching orders came to a stand still just before 11am, as the final obstacle, a 12-foot wall, became the platform for a moving Remembrance ceremony. Instructors, competitors and volunteers paid their respects to those who have bravely served the country, many known by those in attendance.
The ceremony saw a vicar give a prayer remembering those who we have lost serving the country followed by the Last Post Salute. They were joined by serving Royal Marine, Les Barrett and founder of the Commando Series who is an ex Royal Marine, Brian Adcock, who shared a word before the 2-minute silence wrapped between canon fire.
The Commando Series was hailed a huge success (
see Racecheck reviews) by all who took part which included OCR nuts, to midwives and firemen, to families and 7 year olds, with many raising money for amazing causes. The course offers competitors the chance to tailor it for themselves; ‘Just Get me Round’, ‘Treat me like a Commando’ or ‘Family Affair’. Commando Instructors around the course serve orders to the style selected.
The event offers more than obstacles, but the chance to experience life as a Royal Marine from the moment you arrive entering a military encampment filled with wood-fired showers, survival courses, dog tags and hot Ribena on completion. The course takes in rivers, castle caves and stunning wild terrain masking the challenges ahead of the recruits. Adrenaline was running high as they reached the iconic Sheep Dip.
Why did the recruits say The Commando Series is a must do event?
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Authentic experience – more than just obstacles
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Incredible Instructors on the course giving the orders, or motivation, in strong doses
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The showers; nothing like a wood-fired shower to thaw you out
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Family friendly – not many give children 8+ the chance to race alongside parents
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You can upgrade your challenge by adding an extra loop or carrying a wooden rifle and 21IB of kit
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You can immerse yourself further and experience a bivouac experience sleeping under a canopy by the caves the night before!
The official partner and supporter of the events is
The Royal Marines Charity. Royal Marines have always been the first to understand, first to adapt and respond and the first to overcome – that’s the Commando Mindset but today Royal Marines and their families are fighting battles they cannot win alone.
The RM Charity are the Royal Marines’ own Charity and are uniquely placed to understand, respond and react, enabling Marines and their families to overcome their challenges including life changing injury, life limiting illness, mental disability, transition to civilian life and even poverty.
Sign up now to Go Commando in 2017 – Saturday 11th or Sunday 12th November 2017 and get £10.00 off the already early bird price.
