By Corporal Sandesh Gurung, Communications and Media NCO, HQBG
23 Platoon, Burma Company organised a 3km Charity Doko Race at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) on 15 October 2026. The event was coordinated by Officer Cadets (OCdts) Joseph Wilson, Prasant Tamang and Benjamin Ramus, under the direction of the Planning Officer, Captain Thomas Gordon.
The aim was to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nepal and generate funds for the Nepal Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, the Army Benevolent Fund, the RMAS Trust and the Gurkha Welfare Trust. It also sought to deepen understanding of Gurkha heritage, culture and tradition among OCdts and the Permanent Staff (PS).
The event ran throughout the day with multiple heats, enabling maximum participation across RMAS. A cultural stand was set up outside New College, attracting significant interest from OCdts eager to learn more about Gurkha customs. Before preparing their 15kg Dokos, participants received a briefing covering the purpose of the event, safety measures and the significance of the Doko race in the Gurkha recruit selection process in Nepal.
The day concluded with a final race between OCdts and a team from Gurkha Company (Sittang). Brigadier Nick Wight-Boycott OBE (Commander RMAS) later presented prizes to the winners. Gurkha Company (Sittang) also operated a food stall, offering authentic Nepalese cuisine post-event.
The Doko race remains a defining chapter in every Gurkha soldier’s journey and this event offered OCdts and PS at RMAS a meaningful glimpse into the demanding path Gurkhas undertake to join the British Army. This was an entirely new experience for many. It further brought the RMAS community together in support of an important cause, raising awareness of the catastrophic events that have affected Nepal in recent months.
