Soldiers from the Royal Corps of Signals demonstrated exceptional endurance and navigational skills in the annual Lanyard Trophy competition held on Otterburn training area in Northumberland.
Teams set off at the start the 40 mile endurance march in the early hours of the morning in competition for the Lanyard Trophy
A team marched together across a bridge during the 40 mile endurance march in the early hours of the morning in competition for the Lanyard Trophy.
13 Signals Regiment team marched up a large hill during the 40 mile endurance march in the early hours of the morning in competition for the Lanyard Trophy.
216 (Para) Signals Squadron team set off to check point 4 during the 40 mile endurance march in the early hours of the morning in competition for the Lanyard Trophy.
Group photograph of the winning team of 216 (Para) Signals Squadron after being awarded their trophy’s after winning the 40 mile endurance march.
A signaller from the winning team of 216 (Para) Signals Squadron is awarded a trophy on the parade square by Colonel Nicholas Bruce after winning the 40 mile endurance march at the awards parade during Exercise Lanyard Trophy.
The competition is organised by the Royal Corps of Signals and is designed to test fitness, endurance and determination – essential qualities for modern military operations.
The challenging 40-mile event saw 28 teams navigate across difficult terrain using only map and compass skills, with each competitor carrying 13.6kg (30lbs) of kit including combat equipment, food and water. The first competitors began their journey at 4am, facing Otterburn's notoriously unpredictable weather conditions throughout the day.
First place in the male category went to 216 (Para) Signal Squadron with a time of 12-hours and 15-minutes. The Squadron is trained and equipped to deploy by parachute, helicopter or airlanding to provide specialist communications support to 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army’s airborne rapid reaction force.
14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) won both the all-female team and Veterans categories, while also taking 2nd and 4th place positions in the overall competition.
Lanyard encapsulates everything good about the Army—challenge, competition, and teamwork. Everyone who attempts it feels a sense of achievement.
Among the first-time female competitors were Lance Corporal Walton (Intelligence Corps), Lance Corporal Saxby (Royal Signals) and Sergeant Evans Adjutant General Corps (Staff and Personnel Support), who exemplified incredible spirit and determination throughout the arduous event. They stood out not just for their physical ability but also for their teamwork and leadership, tackling the demanding route with grit and enthusiasm, motivating each other through the toughest moments of a long day.
All four teams from 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) committed to two sessions of physical training five days a week starting in early January, hardening the competitors ready for the northern weather and drawing them together as a squad, all with the same goal in mind.
Team leader Captain Lexi Edwards who was also competing for the first time said: "It was 40-miles as the crow flies, but we had to take different routes to compensate for the ground and ended up covering 46-miles in total whilst our male team covered 50-miles.”
The competition required teams to plan their own routes between 12 checkpoints, testing not only physical stamina but also tactical planning abilities. Support crews at checkpoints provided essential refreshments and encouragement to competitors.
Captain Edwards highlighted the importance of this support: "It made such a difference to have supporters there to greet us with a hot drink and food before urging us on, especially as we clocked up the miles. It gave you the motivation and determination to continue.”
The annual challenge was designed in 1979 by Peter Richards, a Royal Corps of Signals Officer from 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron. It was named after the lanyard that the Squadron OC at Arnhem told his soldiers to make out of the cords of their parachutes.
Forty-six years later, the event still draws a huge amount of support and is a rite of passage for many in the Royal Signals.
Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, General Dame Sharon Nesmith DCB, who started the event praised its enduring spirit: “Lanyard encapsulates everything good about the Army—challenge, competition, and teamwork. Everyone who attempts it feels a sense of achievement.”
The Lanyard Trophy Competition is organised each year by the unit that won the competition the previous year. As the overall winners, 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron, will have the honour of running the event next year.
