Personnel from across Defence have gathered at the Army Training Centre (ATR), Pirbright, Surrey to take part in the demanding Doko Race, used by the Brigade of Gurkhas to help select new Gurkhas during the selection process in Nepal.
The symbolic event is rooted in the rigorous Gurkha selection process, where aspiring recruits in Nepal completed a demanding uphill course, whilst carrying a 25 kg load in under 43 minutes.
Staff from Defence (Tri-Service) establishments took part in a unique challenge.
A soldier carries a 15kg traditional Nepalese bamboo basket, known as a Doko, over a 5-kilometre course.
The Doko race was introduced in 1989.
A Challenge Steeped in History
The practice stems from Nepal's mountainous geography where Dokos (traditional Nepalese bamboo baskets) have been used for centuries to transport goods up steep hillsides. Traditionally filled with heavy loads like rice or stones, the race was an athletic competition over challenging mountain terrain.
We wanted to give personnel the chance to experience what we must do to get into the British Army. Although the Doko is physically demanding, you must be mentally resilient too."
Gurkhas participate in these races as part of their cultural heritage and physical training, testing endurance, strength, and mental resilience – qualities that make them exceptional soldiers.
Corporal Nisaan Gurung from 2 ATR, Pirbright, was part of the organising team:
"The Doko race is part of the Gurkha recruitment selection in Nepal and is all uphill. Today we wanted to give personnel the chance to experience what we must do to get into the British Army. Although the Doko is physically demanding, you must be mentally resilient too."
The biggest challenge is getting to the start line. Once you are there it's about physical determination and mental resilience.
The Doko race was introduced to British Army Gurkha selection in 1989. Aspiring Gurkhas face a gruelling course in the foothills of the Himalayas carrying a Doko on their back, held in place with a head strap (namlo) and loaded with 25kg of sand. Participants must complete the
5.5km climb in 43 minutes to progress.
Testing Limits at Pirbright
The Pirbright course was designed to replicate as closely as possible the rugged hills and winding mountainous trails associated with Nepal.
Major Benjy Brown, Royal Signals, Officer Commanding 1 (Fowler) Squadron, explained:
"The biggest challenge is getting to the start line. Once you are there it's about physical determination and mental resilience.
“It does hurt; the Doko isn't particularly comfortable but that mental resilience carries people through. Many of those joining the Armed Forces want to be challenged, they want to feel as though they've achieved something that they perhaps thought they wouldn't have been able to prior to joining."
Defence-Wide Participation
Competitors came from across Defence including Army Training Centres at Catterick, Winchester and Pirbright, The Royal Marines Training Centre at Lympstone, and Royal Air Force, Halton.
Race winner was Corporal Josh Joyce, 1 Royal Welsh, currently with 1 Infantry Training Battalion, Catterick. He completed the 5km course in just over 26 minutes:
"It was good to experience something that my Gurkha friends must go through to get in the Army. I've done similar challenges but never one where I've had to run 5km with a basket strapped to my head."
Captain Hattie Arkwright, Royal Artillery, Adjutant, 2 ATR, Pirbright said:
"My legs are still trembling. It's a race where you're all in it together. We were all in that 'hurt locker' today, but we did it."
Race Results
Individual Winner: Corporal Josh Joyce, 1 Royal Welsh
Runner Up: Corporal Richards, RAF Halton
Team Winners: RAF Halton
Team Runners Up: 2 ATR Pirbright