The Gurkha Welfare Trust is inviting people to take on the challenge of a 5km run on Wimbledon and Putney Commons carrying a traditional Doko basket.

The Doko baskets weigh either 5kg, 10kg, or 15kg and there is a target of finishing the race within 46 minutes.

The race will be held on June 12, with the signup deadline being June 5.

Registration costs £25 and there is a fundraising target of £150 per person.

The money raised will go towards supporting Gurkha veterans, their families and communities to live with dignity in Nepal.

This event is based upon the traditional Gurkha Recruitment Doko race.

Traditionally in Nepal, this is an uphill sprint in the Himalayan foothills while carrying a traditional Nepali Doko basket on your back.

Potential recruits are expected to complete the course in under 46 minutes and failure means the end of their Gurkha selection process.

The Gurkha’s are widely known as some of the most fearless and respected soldiers in the military.

They have fought in the British Army for over 200 years and their recruitment process remains one of the toughest in the world.

Gurkha Captain (Ret’d) Ganesh Rai: “It is our identity as Gurkha. The paras have their test, we have ours. It’s special.”

Wimbledon Times: The money raised will go towards supporting Gurkha veteransThe money raised will go towards supporting Gurkha veterans

Start Line:

Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields, Roehampton Vale, London SW15 3PQ

Key timings:

JUNE 12

11am-Registration & Doko basket collection

12.15pm-Welcome & warm-up

2.30 pm-Race begins

14.00pm-Finishers group photo

 

Fancy the challenge? You can sign up here.