Paras' 10 2009
A multi-terrain endurance event, the race follows the same 10 mile route as the Parachute Regiments 'P' Company Selection Ten Mile March Route. This 'run' at the Caterrick Garrison in North Yorkshire took place on 13th September 2009.
Complete the course with a 35lb Bergen/rucksack and wearing army style boots to see if you have what it takes to pass one of the Paras' toughest tests. The P Company challenge is open to teams and individuals, with a target of 1 hour 50 minutes (if you can do this, you're fit enough to sign up for the Paras).
Well we made it round the course, but were we fit enough for the Paras? No way! Finished in 2 hrs 22mins — more than half an hour over the Paras qualification time.
This run may only be ten miles, but it is a huge test of endurance, carrying the 35lb bergen. The first two or three miles aren't so bad; the course is undulating, mainly on gravel tracks, with fantastic views over the Yorkshire moors. After that there's a few more serious inclines and the weight really starts to slow you down, punishing legs and knees with each step.
The most difficult parts are saved for the last two miles, just when you don't want it. First there's a really nasty cliff type of hill, with rocks and very steep (down and then up). Its difficult to keep moving upwards with the bergen pulling you back down, and when you stumble the weight knocks you off balance very easily. After the cliff there's a couple of muddy water crossings, only knee deep and not very cold, but its quite tricky to keep your footing.
More than half the runners in the P Company challenge seem to be army types, so it feels quite good to beat some of them to the finish. But overall this run makes you realise how incredibly fit you really have to be if you want to join the Paras.