The Forces March

THE FORCES MARCH is our annual super-challenge: 5 marathons in 5 days. 132.5 miles from Ilfracombe to Bulford. RUN IT-WALK IT-TAB IT

The Forces March is based on a legendary march taken by men of the newly formed 6th Airborne Division during early training for D-Day in the summer of 1942. Following weeks of intensive PT the men were told they could stand down and head back to Bulford Camp where they were based at the time. However, one last task was assigned; to WALK back to Bulford. A distance of approximately 130 miles! The men not only walked back to Bulford but they completed the arduous route in 5 days dressed in FULL KIT each carrying up to 80lbs in weight!

Entries for The Forces March are open to EVERYONE. Whether you are a professional athlete looking to really test your skills or a novice with no experience of challenge events, the Forces March offers something for all.

Participants can complete the challenge as individuals or as part of a team. Teams can be from military, civilian, emergency services or corporate backgrounds. Individuals are supported by the event's admin team but team entrants must have their own support crew and vehicles to assist with set-up and transport on each stage. 

More than 150 people took part in the first Forces March in 2010. This included many individual entrants as well as military and ex-military teams, emergency services and corporate teams.

In 2010, Soldier Magazine were represented by their Deputy Editor Joe Clapson. Joe had this to say after finishing the 5 stage challenge:

"This extreme event is a new benchmark for endurance runners and walkers but it transcends athletics and sport. The Forces March served to capture in a nutshell the incalculable high regard and support felt for military personnel of all generations".

Entries are now open for THE FORCES MARCH 2011.

Download the information pack by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page

Find out more about THE FORCES MARCH by visiting the official website - www.forcesmarch.org.uk