Royal Marines took to the streets of Helensburgh yesterday to help raise funds for charity.
A contingent from the Faslane-based 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group laced-up their trainers for the latest leg of the Commando 80 Challenge, which involves every commando and reserve unit across the UK.
Since September 1 Lance Corporal Luke Granger has been running multiple marathons around the country, hoping to cover 60 in just 60 days.
The Helensburgh leg of the challenge covered a 5.3 mile loop, beginning and ending in Colquhoun Square.
As well as marking the 80th anniversary of the Commandos, the challenge was also a way to gather funds for the Royal Marines Charity.
“The public support during the challenge has been second to none,” said Luke.
“I have spoken with people from all walks of life, in many different parts of the country, and even had people jumping out of cars to throw money into the charity pot.
“The support from the Royal Marine and Army units I have run with has also been exceptional.
“Nothing has been too much trouble, whether getting certain food for me, or adapting the route depending on how I am feeling on a particular day.”
Although initially losing a couple of kilos due to the rigours of his run, Luke has learned to manage his daily food intake and is surprised at how good his feeling after running over 1,000 miles.
He sees a sports therapist once a week to help relax his legs and says that he has never stretched so much in his life.
“I will be extremely proud of myself if I am able to complete this challenge and still be in one piece,” he said.
“I’ve never done any sort of ultra-running before, having only ever completed three marathons prior to the start. I have learned a lot about myself and I am now fully aware of what I am capable of.”
Royal Marines were also in Helensburgh on the day of the marathon with their collection buckets, with generous members of the public contributing cash.
The Challenge will finish on October 30 at the Commando Monument at Spean Bridge, when i t is expected that over 200 Commandos and members of the Royal Marines Association will attend.
There is still time to donate to the Commando 80 Challenge at https://rmatrmc.enthuse.com/pf/43CDOFPGRM.
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