They’re on an exercise and at the same time they’re raising money for charity – fifteen members of 4 Military Intelligence Battalion which two years ago was given the Freedom of the town. If towns could be twinned with battalions, Marlborough would be twinned with 4MI Battalion.
On Tuesday afternoon (September 3) the runners and their support teams were welcomed at the Town Hall by the Mayor and Mayoress – for a strictly non-alcoholic, thirst quenching tea.
They were at the end of the first day’s run – from Bulford over the Plain, along the Ridgeway to Barbury Castle and down into Marlborough. The first 29.9 miles completed of the full 136 miles route.
They are spending the night at Marlborough football club – which may offer different facilities to the TA centres they are staying at for Wednesday and Thursday nights. But a good shower was what the runners wanted once they had had their tea and orange squash.
The logo for this exercise includes the battalion’s new mascot – a greyhound taken from the Marlborough town coat of arms. ‘The Long Run Home’ takes the runners from Bulford to Chicksands near Bedford which is the headquarters – or ‘home’ – of the army’s Intelligence Corps.
They are raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Army Benevolent Fund. The target is £2,500 and they are just about halfway there.
Fifteen runners are taking part – each of the battalion’s four companies has put up a team of three who are running in relays. In addition three stalwarts are running the whole distance.
This exercise is called the CO’s Challenge and it has to be an endurance exercise. The Battalion’s new Commander Officer, Lt Col Jim Brown was there to check how the first day had gone.
He explained to Marlborough News Online: “This is training in pursuit of good causes – raising money for charity and providing an opportunity for some arduous exercise.”
“Thursday’s going to be the real test – you’re halfway there and wondering why you’re doing it. It’ll be the hardest and darkest place for them – but I’m sure they’ll all make it in good times.”
The exercise was the idea of running enthusiast WO2 Dan Connors and he has done much of the organisation. He is one of the three running the whole distance.
His family live near Chicksands, so for him it’s literally the Long Run Home. What’s more: “It certainly saves a train fare.”
Members of the 4MI Battalion will be back in Marlborough for the Remembrance Sunday parade. Then on Thursday, November 28 the battalion will be holding a homecoming parade in Marlborough for its members who will be returning from operational duties in Afghanistan.
It is hoped the parade will be led by the battalion’s new mascot – a greyhound named Blue.
Donations to the two charities can be made through the justgiving website
