Soldiers Tackle Gruelling Gurkha Doko Race at Pirbright, Surrey
A Demanding Challenge on Our Doorstep at Pirbright
If you have driven past the Army Training Centre at Pirbright this week, you may not have realised that a gruelling test of stamina was taking place just a few miles from Woking and Guildford. Soldiers from the British Army gathered to take part in the Gurkha Doko race, a punishing event that asks competitors to carry a traditional Nepalese Doko basket weighing 15kg over a 5km course. The basket is strapped to the shoulders and head, which makes every stride a test of balance, neck strength and grit. For anyone who has walked the rolling heathland and woodland tracks around Pirbright, the terrain alone gives a sense of how demanding the course is. The race is more than a fitness event. It is a recognised rite of passage for those hoping to join the Brigade of Gurkhas, and it has been part of the selection process since it was introduced in 1989. Competitors must finish the climb within 43 minutes to progress to the next stage, leaving little room for error. For local readers, it was a rare chance to see this tradition up close, right here in Surrey, rather than in the foothills of the Himalayas where the real selection race takes place.
Why the Event Matters to the Nepalese Community and Beyond
For Corporal Nisaan Gurung and many others in the Nepalese community, the Doko race carries real personal meaning. He described the event as a big date on the calendar, and it was clear that the participants had been looking forward to it for weeks. Gurung has experience of the Doko challenge in its original setting in Nepal, where he recalled the route being very hard, largely because it runs uphill for much of the way. He explained that the test is as much mental as it is physical, and that it takes a great deal to become a Gurkha. Only around two to three per cent of those who attempt selection make it through, which underlines how rare the achievement is. Alex Tetley, who ran the course on Wednesday for the RAF, was one of only a handful of women taking part. Her message was simple and encouraging: anyone can pursue the goals they set for themselves. She had prepared by running through local woodland and admitted with a laugh that she had not studied the course beforehand, adding that a closer look might have put her off. Her willingness to take on the challenge without fuss is a reminder that events like this can inspire people of all backgrounds, including younger residents across Surrey who might consider a career in the armed forces.
What Residents Should Know and What to Watch Next
For those of us living in Woking, Guildford and the surrounding villages, events at Pirbright are a regular part of local life, and this one offers a few practical takeaways. First, if you want to see future training events, keep an eye on announcements from the Army and BBC Surrey, as public viewing opportunities can be limited and are often shared at short notice. Second, if you are a local family or business owner, it is worth remembering that large military events can bring extra traffic to nearby roads, so allowing a little extra time for journeys is sensible. Many households in the area are also planning home improvements this autumn. If you are considering a bathroom refurbishment or kitchen renovation, booking a reputable bathroom fitter or kitchen renovation specialist early is wise, as local tradespeople often have full schedules during the colder months. Check that any firm you hire is insured, provides a written quote and has verifiable local reviews. Looking ahead, the Doko race is likely to remain a focal point for Army recruitment and community engagement in Surrey. Readers who want to follow the story can keep an eye on BBC Surrey, and those with their own story ideas can get in touch with the newsroom to share what is happening in their neighbourhood.
Source: Soldiers take part in gruelling Gurkha race in Surrey
