You’ve run a 10k. You’ve heard of Tough Mudder. You may have had a go at BMF in your local park (that’s British Military Fitness to the uninitiated). Perhaps you’re even mocking me now as you recover from the Olympic triathlon your alarm went at 5am for last Sunday.
All folly. All for pansies. All nothing but a cake walk to the latest and definitive addition to the season of fitness ‘events’ that seem to be sweeping the nation. Remember that programme on BBC2, Special Forces – Ultimate Hell Week? Well, now you get the chance to have a crack at it yourself. This is the Commando Series.
This 6km obstacle challenge is an endurance test like no other. Set in the grounds of Hever Castle in Kent on Saturday 11th November, the Commando Series gives all ages and abilities the opportunity to experience the mud, sweat and pain of real, modern day, commando training, taking on 21 gruelling obstacles over a “wild” terrain course, many of which are designed to be exact replicas of the training obstacles faced at the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon, including a 30m neck deep wading pool and the infamous ‘Sheep Dip’. And that’s right, it’s in November. It’s going to be cold. And wet. And miserable. Come on, pull yourself together, what are you made of?
The Commando Series allows the public to experience elements of modern day commando training by using replicas of many of the Royal Marines Endurance, Assault and Tarzan courses (the official Commando tests). With a chance to discover if they have what it takes to be a real commando, each section of the wild, woodland course demands that each participant digs deep to become a Commando Series finisher.
The event is open to both adults and young ‘recruits’ (from 8+) with the hard core event taking place in the morning and the family friendly event taking place in the afternoon. You decide just how tough you want to be treated though, with the option of selecting “just get me round”, “family friendly”, or “treat me like a commando” at online race entry stage.
For the more capable commando recruits, a gruelling and serious assault course will be staged to put you through your paces. Less challenging variants on each obstacle course will sit alongside the adult version to await those younger commandos but will still test their resolve. Both courses are designed as circuits, so for those who find that conquering the course once isn’t enough, a second time around will prove your commando credentials.
On arrival ‘recruits’ will enter the event village resembling a military encampment where they will change and ‘cam up’. Recruits are then led into a holding pen for an old fashioned warm up conducted by legendary Motivator-in-Chief and ex-Royal Marines Physical Training Instructor, Bart, before getting official ‘orders’ to set off around the course. Conducted with a backdrop of Hever Castle, the historic estate and grounds was originally a medieval defensive castle, the scene is set for a true battle of wills.
Brian Adcock, Commando in Chief, founder of the Commando Series and ex-Royal Marine himself knows what it takes to be a commando. He comments, “This course will put any recruit to the test, whether they take on the tougher challenge or the course modified specially for our younger competitors. It’s a great opportunity to get stuck in, get muddy and have fun. We’re delighted to be able to offer this unique course in the grounds of such an incredible venue.” So you’ve got to ask yourself just one question…
Do you have what it takes to be a Commando?
The next event is on 11th and 12th November 2017. Early bird tickets are priced at £55 for adults and £30 for children until the end of September. The endurance obstacle course is endorsed by national charity partner, the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. Visit www.commandoseries.co.uk for registration and more information.
