While most of us were still in bed, a group of soldiers began to Race The Sun in York.
5am Soldiers set off from Imphal Barracks – run 600m to River Ouse, then canoe/kayak 6km
9am Half marathon run 21km
3pm Open water 900m swim Allerthorpe lake
5pm Stretcher race 3km Imphal Barracks
They set off on the gruelling day-long relay race at 5am from Imphal Barracks.
York’s own 2nd Signal Regiment are in charge of the event, with units as varied as Army Foundation College Harrogate, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland and 216 Parachute Signal Squadron entering squads.
Race For The Sun on Thursday (2 May) is a way to test the team spirit, physical robustness and navigation skills of troops, with members of the public encouraged the cheer competitors on if they catch a glimpse of the action.
Teams can enter a maximum of 25 competitors, with all those who take part gathering to attend a prize giving ceremony after all events have been completed.
