Taunton’s 40 Commando race through Somerset

Royal Marines of 40 Commando marked the end of a busy year with a 20km test across their home county of Somerset.

This is the annual traditional Commanding Officer’s Competition that marks the end of another busy year for the Taunton-based marines.

They have worked in the Arctic, jungles of Belize, deserts of California, Australia and much more during a jam-packed 12 months.

“The aim of the competition is to test individual Royal Marines Commandos in their ability to cover ground while carrying weight,” said Lieutenant Simon Williams.

“The inspiration for the competition came from the guiding principles for training harden soldiers to become commandos: dated June 1944 – with reference made to the benefit of marching over sodden ground.”

The timed run over the Quantocks Hills began at the West Quantock Head car park. The 20km route took them South East over the Quantock Ridge with a finish at Norton Manor Camp. The conditions were typically wintery with rain showers and a bracing wind. 

Upon completion of the run, each Royal Marine sat a Military Knowledge test. The test results were added to the runner’s time to give a final score. The individual winner was won by Lieutenant Locker, with Charlie Company winning the company prize.