RUSTMAN V . 2023 . AGHNA . ‘ CARRY ON OVER THE HILL ’
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RUSTMAN V . 2023 . AGHNA . ‘ CARRY ON OVER THE HILL ’
Friday 2nd June 2023 saw the team of 27 men and women of mixed abilities taking part in the fifth annual RUSTMAN Adventure In collaboration with and raising funds for the Royal Marines charity .
Heading north to Fort William on Friday 2nd June , the team bunked down on board the Lady Fryda , an old cockling vessel owned by Donald McPhate , now moored at Caol ready for a 4:30 am start of a 2-mile swim in Loch Linnhe . The team emerged from the water at the Lochaber sailing club ready for a quick change before heading out on a 15 mile walk / jog trek summiting Ben Nevis as part of the challenge .
The team then met up at the commando memorial at Spean Bridge to hold the short memorial service in remembrance and friendship for those they have loved and lost . In poignant silence the Last Post echoed across the open landscape of the original training ground of the Royal Marine commandos .
The team then split into two groups to cycle 65 miles each to cover the 130 miles to finish as one at RM Condor in Arbroath and the home of 45 commando .
After 22 hours of swimming running and cycling the team arrived to a warm welcome from 45 commando who provided a hot meal and a night ’ s accommodation on the camp .
The Rustman Challenge was the 2019 brainchild of Richard Webster and Chris Shaw for a local endurance type challenge loosely based on The Ironman triathlon distance . As many of the participants are from the aging population the event naturally led to it being named The Rustman , that has brought together a rich and diverse community of participants each year in fellowship and community whilst raising funds for various charities .
This years event was organised by Gerard Buckley and Jessie Evans with support from Chris Shaw and Liam Hanlon . The team would like to thank our support drivers Barry Murphy and Mike Hughes . The Team at RM Condor , Matt Cullen , Joe Malatnikoff , Alexander Johnsen , Alexander Smith & Duncan Firth , Hannah from The Royal Marines Charity and all the sponsors and supporters for all their help in the success of this years challenge and we look forward to more great challenges and memories next year .
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