The Commando Speed March (every spring) – 8th March 2025
Our main mission each year is to field a competitive team of veterans in the Commando Speed March at Spean Bridge. It’s a seven-mile run that commemorates part of the selection process for commandos during WWII.
In June 1940, after ‘Operation Dynamo’ the beachhead evacuation at Dunkirk, an isolated and vulnerable Great Britain waited for imminent Nazi invasion. Against this backdrop the ‘Commandos’ were born, a new fighting force that would master the art of irregular warfare. These unique soldiers went on to win heroic status and in doing so restored hope and purpose to this island’s fight in the war.
The first Commando test upon arriving at Spean Bridge was a speed march to Achnacarry Castle. It’s a distance of around seven miles carrying a belt kit and weapon weighing 36 lbs. The cut-off time was less than one hour. If you did not make it, RTU followed, and your commando journey was over
This iconic military challenge was reborn 30 years ago, faithfully organised by local resident Graeme Taylor. The best teams from the UK and overseas armed forces race against each other, raising vital funds for military charities. Los Leones will field a competitive team of up to 12 veterans.
You can find out more by reading this blog or this article from Dispatches Magazine.
