BRÜGGEN 10 RACE IN AFGHANISTAN

The Brüggen 10 road race is run at Armed Forces bases all around the world with professional, semi professional and fun runners all taking part to raise money for charity. First held at RAF Brüggen in 1980 with 90 competitors, it has now become an annual event with thousands of personnel running 10 miles to raise money for charity.


Despite being in Afghanistan, the Brüggen 10 has not been forgotten by 16 Signals Regiment from Javelin Barracks, Germany. Four hundred and fifty personnel from all the Arms and Services signed up for the race in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province which started at 05:30 this morning.


Local race organiser, Warrant Officer Dave Wheeler, said: “The event was a huge success, bigger than we expected. The numbers of personnel that pitched up to show their support surprised everyone. We have raised a huge amount of money for three local orphanages here in Afghanistan and the BFBS Big Salute”.

The British Forces Broadcasting Service’s ‘Big Salute’ raises funds for six forces charities: BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Military Men’s Association), Combat Stress, Headley Court, St Dunstan’s, Veteran’s Aid and Help for Heroes.


The route took in the sights of Bastion 1 and 2 and saw winning times of 56:16 for the fastest male competitor, 1st Lieutenant Adam Crandall from 1 US Marine Expeditionary Force, and 74:06 for the fastest female, Capt Alex Hall, from 3 Medical Regiment.


The team prize went to a group of men and women from 1st Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. There were also categories for veterans and super-veterans and all the winners were presented with an engraved 105mm shell casing, usually used in artillery guns.

Warrant Officer Wheeler added: “We took photographs throughout the race today and sent them back to our barracks at Elmpt Station in Germany where they were printed out and pinned up for our families to see before the German race started.”


The race was also run in Kabul, Lashkar Gar and Kandahar and overall the Afghanistan events are expected to raise over US$4000 for service and local charities.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Fallows, Commanding Officer of 16 Signals Regiment which organised the event said: “The Royal Signals have built up relations with orphanages in the areas where they are based. A tradition has now been set and we will look to raise even money for the children during our time in theatre.”

Lt Col Fallows added: “The Kabul charity that the Regiment supports currently operates three orphanages in the city centre. The money we have raised so far will make a real difference. Children here have a very hard life in comparison to our western expectations so the young soldiers and officers hope the project will become a flagship. The money collected will be spent locally according to the wishes of the Afghan’s themselves.”


16 Signal Regiment is one of five newly formed signal regiments that will undertake tours in Afghanistan over the next 10 years. They provide communications support to Task Force Helmand but also try to improve the lives of Afghan people in some way.

The Regiment are nearing the end of their tour and are looking forward to returning to Germany soon.

Lt Col Fallows said: “To all the wives and families, be assured our thoughts and prayers are with you. We do not have long to go and we look forward to seeing you all soon.”

Pictures: Corporal Dave Blackburn, RAF