On the 2nd of October 2021, a team of four individuals (Rifleman Ashish Gurung, Rifleman Rupesh Adhikari, Rifleman Pradeep Chaudhary and Rifleman Ashok Gurung) from Training Support (Babaji) Company led by Sergeant Raju Dura took part in the PARAS’ 10 Challenge in Colchester at Merville Barracks.
The PARAS’10 competition is a gruelling 10 mile Endurance Race based on the 10 miler from the Parachute Regiment’s P-Company test week. The event comprises of two categorised races; The PARAS’10 TAB which is where individuals must complete the course in boots and carrying a 35lb pack or the PARAS’ 10 Run which is the same course but without bergen and boots. The event itself is jointly run by the Support Our Charity and P Company military staff who are currently in the Parachute Regiment. It is a non-profit event with all proceeds going to the charity which benefits the soldiers and their families.
On the day, it was a rainy Saturday morning with lots of people travelling from different locations of the UK to take part. Babaji Company team was the first ever team to enter this event since its formation. There were 80 teams participating the PARAS’ 10 TAB from different regiments. The route was challenging with mixture of all terrain and made it even worse with the morning rain.
As all the participants crossed the finishing line, they were greeted by some Parachute veterans who awarded them with their finisher medals, t-shirt and goodie bag. All the Babaji Company team agreed that they had given their best effort on completing the course and rewarded with securing overall first position under a cracking time amongst all who took part. Rifleman Ashok Gurung managed to secure overall second position in an individual category.
By Rifleman Ashish Gurung, Training Support (Babaji) Company
