Royal Marine Luke Grainger arrived in the Highlands this morning cheered on by fellow commandos and family as he completed the Commando 80 Challenge.
While many would struggle to run even one marathon, Lance Corporal Luke Grainger took on the “extraordinary” challenge of taking on a daily marathon for 60 days.
Starting at Lands End on September 1, the 28-year-old has run more than 1,500 miles in aid of The Royal Marine Charity.
Mr Grainger completed the last leg of his epic challenge this morning with a 5.5 mile march, alongside fellow commandos, from Achnacarry House to the Spean Bridge Commando Monument.
Joined by drummers, pipers and fellow royal marines for the final march, the sun was shining down as commandos from all over the UK and family were there to greet the runner on a day that marks their 80th anniversary.
Running to help ensure veterans and their families in the future
The Royal Marine said he was surprisingly feeling “pretty strong”.
Despite not getting a lot of time to train this year, he said he was “feeling good” and had the lovely surprise of spotting his parents in the crowd attending.
Not one to back away from a challenge, Mr Grainger, based in Chivenor, said he had signed up to the Royal Marines five years ago
He said: “I’d always been interested in the military and I just looked at which had the hardest training and the longest training, and the Royal Marines was the one.
When asked what inspired him to take on the Commando 80 challenge, he said: “My sergeant major at the time mentioned this challenge was coming up and he knew I was a keen runner, maybe not quite this keen, but I thought I’d give it a crack.
“It’s for a good cause so I thought why not, see if I can cope.
“I know The Royal Marines Charity do a lot for veterans and the families more so it’s more for that side of things for my family in the future. It’s just good to know that they’re there and supported.”
What is the Commando 80 challenge?
Lieutenant Colonel Gary Green, organiser of the Commando 80 Challenge, said it was named so to celebrate the 80th anniversary of when the Royal Marines became commandos back in 1942.
“It’s a significant year for the corps,” he said. “And what we try to do on these occasions is try to celebrate it in the best way the Royal Marines do, by doing something extraordinary.
“What we’ve done over the past few months, is the whole corps have come together and the retired corps to take part in 80 challenges over 80 days.”
From attempting world record breaking and tough expeditions to bake sales, many have taken part in the challenge raising over £100,000 so far for The Royal Marine Charity.
The charity helps to support corps retired or serving who are still struggling. Whether suffering from physical or mental injuries, the organisation helps support the military and their families overcome them.
Returning to 80-year-old training grounds
Mr Green said: “And the most extraordinary challenge was Lance Corporal Grainger, who did 60 marathons in 60 days, starting two months ago, running around the country with all Royal Marines, Commando units and reserve units taking part to support him.
“And all with a smile on his face.”
“It was a great experience and a great experience for him,” he added.
“It’s culminated here in Achnacarry, in Scotland, celebrating the corps birthday on the Royal Marines Association commemorative weekend, where the very first commandos were trained during the Second World War back in 1942.”
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