PARAS’10 Colchester 15th November 2015

Posted on November 20, 2015

More than 900 runners and tabbers are entered for the PARAS’ 10 charity challenge in Colchester on Sunday (15 Nov). A mix of civilians and soldiers are taking part in the 10-mile run, which can be completed as a cross-country race in trainers or as the P Company Challenge, wearing boots, trousers and carrying a 35lb rucksack – known as tabbing. With a target to finish within 1hr 50mins, the challenge replicates one of the key fitness tests for the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces. The tabbers and runners will set off from Abbey Field, passing through Merville Barracks and Friday Woods over the same hills and water obstacles crossed by the town’s soldiers on training runs. Profits from entrance fees raise money for The Parachute Regiment Charity, which supports Paras and their families who are in need, but participants are free to collect sponsorship for any charity. The event – the fourth time it is running in Colchester – was originally scheduled for July, but rescheduled due to extremely hot and humid weather. NOTE TO DESKS: MoD release authorised handout images. All images remain crown copyright. Photo credit to read – Corporal Andy Reddy RLC Email: andyreddy@mediaops.army.mod.uk richardwatt@mediaops.army.mod.uk shanewilkinson@mediaops.army.mod.uk

Some 950+ runners – a mix of civilian, serving and ex-military – took part in the fourth PARAS’10 charity challenge in Colchester on Sunday 15 Nov. TAB finishers included Stu Pearson, who lost a leg at Kajaki and 79 year-old Mike Doyle, ex RAF Regt. The event took place in gusting winds, a change from the high heat and humidity which had forced a reluctant postponement in July.

After a silence in memory of those killed in service and in the terrorist attacks in Paris, the field was briefed to ‘Get a Grip and crack on’ and set off to the sound of a 7RHA 105mm Light Gun. The course ran through Merville Barracks and Friday Woods, over the hills and water obstacles crossed by soldiers on training runs. Some ‘airborne activity’ in the woods added to the unique atmosphere. Lt Gen Lorimer awarded the trophies to the winners.

With individual sponsorship still coming in, the Colchester event is estimated to raise some £45k for SUPPORT OUR PARAS; the series total including Catterick is closer to £75k. Colchester’s proximity to London and the City makes this an ideal vehicle for a corporate challenge event for teams of 4. Any company that may wish to sponsor the PARAS’10 event or a corporate challenge team trophy should contact Stephen Cooper on plansdir@supportourparas.org

Upcoming Events – Don’t miss out! In 2016 the PARAS’10 will be taking place in Colchester on 15th May and Catterick 04th September. There is an Early Bird offer on until 16h December, so get it quick! For more information and to enter please click the link http://www.paras10.com/

Credit: Cpl Reddy, 16 Air Assault Brigade, Army Media Ops for the featured image