Military personnel race across Dartmoor for charity

208 military and civilian men and women made up the 47 teams who took part in the Chara Challenge, raising money for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association (BLESMA), Combat Stress (Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society), the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund, the Army Benevolent Fund and the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Prior to the race, the contestants took part in a memorial service for British Service personnel who lost their lives while on operations.

The teams included one from 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines who have recently returned from Helmand province after a six-month operation in Afghanistan and who organised the Chara Challenge event, named after Operation SOND CHARA which they were part of during their deployment.

Other teams included military units from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF as well as a team from Devon and Cornwall Police. Staff from a Plymouth dental practice also joined the race to support this worthwhile cause.

The 30-mile race over Dartmoor replicated the final commando test before Royal Marines gain their coveted Green Berets. Wearing boots and carrying 32 pounds (14.5kg) in a day sack (plus safety stores), the aim of the challenge was for each team to complete the race in under 10 hours.

The first team to finish was 'The Black Knights', from K Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines, in 8 hours 22 minutes.

Team member Sergeant Jonathan Williams described the challenge:

"This was a superb event - well organised and very competitive. The money we raise will really be appreciated and will make a difference to the people who need it. Hopefully it will carry on next year."

The team who came second, 'The Exploiters', finished just eight minutes later. This team came from the UK Landing Force Command Support Group based at Stonehouse Barracks in Plymouth.

Major Karl Gray, Officer Commanding Y Squadron, was pleased with coming second:

"It was an excellent challenge that brought out the best in everyone and for such a good cause - it really motivated us to push ourselves all the way."

Third place, in a time of 8 hours 34 minutes, was the team from the Royal Marines Reserves London and the first all-civilian team to cross the line was 'The Spring Chickens' in 9 hours 10 minutes.

Paul Mansell, who left the Royal Marines in 2000, competed as part of 'The Moorehouse Malingerers'. He said:

"This was a top event - I really hope it continues. It was hugely worthwhile for such a good cause and firmly rooted in the ideal of the Royal Marines Green Beret. It epitomises probably one of the most significant achievements of my life - earning my 'green lid'."

Brigadier Gordon Messenger, Commander of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, displayed his support of the Chara Challenge by taking part. He said:

"It was a great day and a real demonstration of the commando spirit, from both military and civilians alike. We have been united here for a common cause doing what we can for our injured and for our families; this symbolises our enduring commitment to them all."

In Kuwait, a team of four soldiers from 33 General Support Squadron, Royal Logistic Corps, undertook their own version of the race, named 'Desert Chara', using treadmills in the gym to cover 28 miles (45km)with ten miles (16km) completed outside on a circuit of their camp.

The four-man team comprised Warrant Officer (Squadron Sergeant Major) Class 2 Jay Ellis, Sergeants John Barker and Chris Teoh, and Corporal Eremasi Serakalou.

Sgt John Barker said:

"Having previously served with the Commando Brigade this event is particularly close to my heart."

One of the organisers of the Chara Challenge is former Operations Officer of 3 Commando Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Thomsett Royal Marines, who returned from Afghanistan in April. He said:

"The Chara Challenge has demonstrated that it is possible to run an event that both challenges the participants and provides them with an opportunity to raise money for a cause that they feel strongly about.

"In this instance, through the fundraising efforts of our participants, the Chara Challenge has raised over £70,000 for BLESMA, Combat Stress and the Service Benevolent Charities.

"This money will directly support our injured and the dependants of our fallen comrades. Could there be a better cause?

"We hope to build on the success of this year's event to deliver an even better race next year, involving more teams and, hopefully, raising even more money.

"For everyone who has supported the Chara Challenge 2009, we would like to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you."