On 21 July, a team of 11 impressive Royal Marine Veterans will be completing a circular route from the Graspan Memorial to complete the world’s first all RM Veteran speed march over a 26-mile route through London, carrying 40lbs. Living the mantra ‘It’s a state of mind’, the team is re-defining what it means to be a Veteran as they are no longer fresh-faced recruits. All members of the team, aged between 45 and 61, are pushing themselves to their limits.
Over the last year, each member of this team has spent time training, regularly meeting up and completing training packages as a team across the country, including a 16-mile route over Capel Curig in Wales, and most recently, they successfully completed their final team run through over 18 miles at CTC Lympstone on Saturday 22 June.
This challenge is spearheaded by Barry ‘Baz’ Gray, a retired Royal Marine, and legendary Polar Explorer. He decided to create this challenge to raise funds for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity as well as help promote, share, and raise awareness of Veterans mental health issues. Having a project like this to focus on and a purpose in life can transform it from one of utter boredom and depression to one of excitement and fulfilment. This event is already changing lives and inspiring many veterans to get up, get active, and find a bit of their old selves.
The Speed March will commence at 05:30 and will both start and finish at the Graspan Memorial, passing some of the major sites in London. If you are in London and would like to watch this momentous achievement, come along, and cheer the team on. Alternatively, if you would like to support the team using the link below.
Most of the team comes from Devon. Please see more information below.
