Stapleford Cadets in Dutch walking event
29 August, 2007
CWO Ashley Rudd and Cdt Cpl Robbie Dinsdale with their medals from the Nijmegen march. Two Stapleford Cadets successfully took part World’s largest road walking event held annually at Nijmegen in Holland.
One of the cadets then went on to complete the Belgian Death March a month later.
CWO Ashley Rudd (19) and Cdt Cpl Robbie Dinsdale (17) both from1360 (Stapleford and Sandiacre) Squadron, took part in the demanding event along with twenty six other cadets from the Midlands who helped make up the strong British Military Contingent. They successfully completed the one hundred miles in the four days.
45,000 participants
First organised in 1909, the four day 'Nijmegen March' is the World’s largest walk and attracts up to 45,000 participants each year.
The two cadets spent the spring and early summer training and had to compete in the Royal Air Force Walking and Marching Association’s two day walk covering fifty miles before being accepted for the team.
Second Time This is the second year for Ashley, who trained for and entered last year only for the event to be cancelled due to the exceptionally hot weather. “It was hard work but an absolutely brilliant experience.” said Ashley, who then went on to complete the 24 hour 'Belgian Death March', at Dodentocht in Belgium.
With five other Midland-based cadets, Ashley completed that 100km course, marching non stop, in a time of 23 hours and 5 minutes. “The march was mentally and physically demanding, but I’d like to do it again next year,” was Ashley’s comment on his return.
By The Editor.
