Soldiers and officer cadets returned to the streets of York, as the British Army’s iconic “Race the Sun” competition pushed endurance, teamwork and determination to the limit.
The bronze statue of Roman Emperor Constantine outside York Minster Cathedral watching down on a half marathon runner from The Royal Corps of Signals competing in Exercise Race the Sun 2026 in York City.
Competitors from The Royal Corps of Signals step off from the start line of the half marathon event at Imphal Barracks, York, marking the start of Exercise Race the Sun 2026.
Soldiers from The Royal Corps of Signals make their way across Strensham Common, York during the loaded march event of Exercise Race the Sun.
Signaller from 1 Signal Regiment rides his bike along the race track of York Village Sports complex during the cycle race event of Exercise Race the Sun.
Competitors from The Royal Signals Corps preparing their bicycles ahead of the cycle race event of Exercise Race the Sun at York Village Sports complex race track in York.
Soldier from 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron races to the finish line of the half marathon event at Imphal Barracks, York during Exercise Race the Sun.
A soldier from The Royal Army Physical Training Corps exits the swimming pool at York Village after completing his laps where he will now move onto the cycling phase of the triathlon another event of Exercise Race the Sun in York.
Hosted by The Royal Signals, the annual event saw teams from across the Regiment compete in a demanding, multi-discipline challenge spanning the historic city and surrounding training areas.
A relentless day of activities
Beginning before sunrise, competitors set off on a half marathon route through the heart of York, running past some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, including the Shambles and York Minster, before heading out to Strensall Common.
From there, the pace barely let up. A full day of gruelling activity followed, including cross-country runs, orienteering, loaded marches, cycling, and a triathlon, before culminating in the traditional stretcher race, a physically punishing finale that demands teamwork under fatigue.
Lance Corporal Jake Scott from 11 Signals runs a social media account dedicated to fitness. He commented on the 20-mile cycle he competed in: “I’m new to cycling myself, but the team did really well, we had some strong competitors.
“It definitely put me through my paces, and it demonstrated to my following that if I can do it, they can too. It also allows me to know that I’m able to teach and coach others when I complete races like I did today.”
Historic competition
First launched in 1990 as an inter-squadron competition, Race the Sun has grown significantly over the decades into a flagship sporting event within the Royal Signals calendar.
What began as a test of intra-unit fitness has evolved into a large-scale challenge attracting teams from across the Corps and beyond, reflecting its enduring reputation as one of the Army’s toughest and most distinctive competitions.
Today, it remains rooted in its original purpose, demonstrating the physical and mental resilience expected of soldiers, while fostering competition, teamwork and esprit de corps.
Throughout the day, York provided a striking backdrop, from its historic city centre to the open training ground of Strensall Common and the modern facilities at York Sport Village, giving the event both a strong local connection and a varied, visually engaging setting.
Work behind the scenes
Regimental Sergeant Major of 2 Signal Regiment, Luke Brereton, said: “The hard work from everyone that goes into today, from behind the scenes to the competitors, is appreciated by the Regiment, it gets everyone out from their day job and into doing something different while building on not only physical, but mental wellbeing.”
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