Soldiers bid to race the sun (From Gazette & Herald)

Soldiers bid to race the sun

HUNDREDS of soldiers and sailors from all over the country - and overseas - were racing the sun across North Yorkshire today to raise cash for charity.

Teams from as far afield as Germany were taking part in this year's event, organised by York-based 2 Signal Regiment, and sponsored by Nestl.

Teams began the race as the sun rose, aiming to complete the course by the time it sets tonight.

The 15-stage event took participants across 182 miles of Yorkshire scenery, and included a mountain bike ride through Cropton Forest on to Levisham Moor, a forced march with heavy pack to Rievaulx Moor, and a swim across the Great Lake at Castle Howard.

A three-kilometre stretcher race with a 40 kilogramme load was due to finish off the day.

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Macrostie, commanding officer of 2 Signal Regiment, said the race had raised a total of £93,000 for charity over the past 15 years.

He said: "This is a most testing and challenging race that appeals to soldiers from all over the country.

"I congratulate all the sportsmen and women who have taken part.

"I would also like to thank Nestl UK Ltd for its continued sponsorship of the event."

Lord Feversham, of Duncombe Park, and Simon Howard, of Castle Howard, were due to fire the starting pistol for two of today's events.

Updated: 11:54 Thursday, May 06, 2004