Army teams sign up for Loch Ness race

Soldiers accept gruelling challenge – but weighed down with 15kg rucksacks

By nichola rutherford

Published:

Two teams from the British Army will take part in a 75-mile relay duathlon around the shores of Loch Ness, it was announced yesterday.

Not content with running 10km (about six miles) and cycling 20km (about 12 miles) like the other participants in the First Monster Challenge, the super-fit soldiers aim to complete the event carrying rucksacks weighing 15kg (about 33lb).

The challenge on September 13 comes just months after the soldiers from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers returned from a six-month tour of Afghanistan in which two of their colleagues from Invicta Barracks, in Maidstone, Kent, died.

Last night, team captain Sergeant Alan Stott, 34, from Yorkshire, said: “We’re really looking forward to the event. The whole team ethos of the First Monster Challenge is a perfect fit for what the Army is all about – teamwork and team spirit.

“All the boys taking part have recently returned from six months in Afghanistan, and we wanted to take this opportunity to raise funds for Help for Heroes, a charity that supports soldiers injured in the line of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

Paul Moore, communications director with FirstGroup, which organises the challenge, said: “These guys must be extremely fit. Many of our competitors found it tough taking on the Monster last year.

“However, the thought of substituting trainers for boots, shorts and T-shirt for a uniform and adding a 15kg burden would bring tears to their eyes.”

He added: “They are great representatives of the British Army and are supporting a very worthwhile charity.

“All at First wish them every success on September 13. We will be contributing £1,000 ourselves towards Help for Heroes, in recognition of their efforts.”

The First Monster Challenge consists of teams of four. Each competitor is required to complete two legs of the eight-legged event – one 10km run and one 20km cycle. A new “First Iron Monster Challenge” has been introduced to the 2008 event, where competitors will complete the entire 120km (about 75 miles) course solo.

To sign up for the First Monster Challenge, the Iron Monster Challenge or for more information, log on to www.firstmonster.com.