HUNDREDS of hardy runners donned a 35lb rucksack before taking on a gruelling ten mile course.
The 10th annual Paras’10 was held in Colchester with almost 500 entrants braving hills and water obstacles as they raced to the finish.
A mix of civilians, soldiers and dogs took on the course, which can be completed as a cross-country race in trainers or as the P Company Challenge – wearing boots, trousers and carrying a 35lb rucksack.
With a target to finish within 1hr 50mins, the challenge replicates one of the key fitness tests for selection for the Parachute Regiment.
The route took the runners from Abbey Field, through Merville Barracks and across Friday Woods.
Proceeds from entry fees raised money for Support Our Paras, a charity which helps serving and veteran Paras, their widows and families in need.
The event is also held at Catterick, in Yorkshire, so far raising more than £1.6 million for a wide range of charities.
A spokesman for the event said: “It was a brilliant day, the weather was great and it was amazing to have the Red Devil parachute team, who haven’t been able to join us for the past couple of years due to the weather not being right.
“We were also joined by Colchester MP Will Quince, who was the honorary starter.”
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