43 Commando take over Royal Marines 1664 Challenge

HM Naval Base Clyde based Royal Marine Unit, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group have taken over the baton for the 1664 Challenge from Royal Marines Reserve Scotland in George Square on Friday, July 7.

The Royal Marines enjoy a special relationship with the City of Glasgow having been granted the Freedom of the City in 2014, marking the 350th anniversary of the Corps' formation in 1664.

The Royal Marines are running 1664 miles around the UK in just 100 days. This is just one of 100 Challenges being planned around the Globe over 100 days. It all began on April 25 in Plymouth and will finish on August 2 in London.

This week, Royal Marines from 43 Commando will run from Ben Nevis to Spean Bridge, part of the West Highland way, through Helensburgh and also along the river Clyde finishing at the Glasgow Warriors stadium at Scotstoun before handing the baton on to 24 Commando Regiment, Royal Engineers for the next stage of the challenge.

Colonel Jock Fraser MBE, Commanding Officer of 43 Commando, accepted the baton today on behalf of the Unit and Royal Marines from 43 Commando will accompany the two core runners (who are completing all 1664 miles of the challenge) running 16.64 miles per day in locations across the west coast of Scotland.

Clyde based 43 Commando take over Royal Marines 1664 Challenge

"I am delighted to be in George Square to accept the 1664 Challenge Baton on behalf of 43 Commando. We are very pleased to be able to continue this unique challenge which highlights the important work of the Royal Marines Charity in supporting those serving and those who have served - once a Marine always a Marine," said Colonel Fraser.

"The Challenge also underlines the importance of physical development, determination, team spirit and cheerfulness in adversity, that are essential parts of the Commando mind-set."

All money raised will be in aid of the Royal Marines Charity (RMC). The RMC is the official partnered charity of the Royal Marines and works in close co-operation with the Royal Marines Association in service of the Corps Family. It supports those currently serving, veterans and cadets.

Those wishing to donate to the 1664 Challenge can do so at:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/43commando

or by texting: GLOB17 to 70070 (automatic £5 donation).

We are very pleased to be able to continue this unique challenge which highlights the important work of the Royal Marines Charity in supporting those serving and those who have served - once a Marine always a Marine