The Forces March

Uniting military and civilian

The Forces March attracts people from all walks of life and all ability levels.

Some are very experienced ultra-runners whilst others may never have attempted anything like it before but are inspired by the cause of supporting The Veterans Charity and taking on a life-changing adventure.

The event unites serving military personnel and civilians on an epic adventure through some of the UK's most dramatic and stunning scenery.

People from all over the world have taken part including teams from as far afield as the British Virgin Islands and the USA. The bond that forms between the participants is extraordinary. Many lasting friendships have been formed on The FM and we've even had a couple get married after meeting on the event in 2010.

Fitness level

Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of the event and capable of completing the distances within the required time each day. 

This is a particularly challenging event with a very demanding all-road route which undulates throughout, and careful consideration should be given before entering.

Timetable

Tuesday

• 12:00-18:00 | Check-In is open at The Pavillion Room, Landmark Theatre, Wilder Road, Ilfracombe
• You are advised to arrive on Tuesday

Wednesday

• 07:00-08:15 | Check-in
• 08:30 | All participants are required to be at the assembly area in Ilfracombe

Each day

• 09:30 or 10:00 | March begins
• 18:00 or 18:30 | Cut off time

Sunday - finish

Once the march has reached its finish in Bulford you are welcome to stay overnight at the finish location and all participants and crew members are strongly encouraged to attend the trophy/medal presentation exclusively for participants, support crews and their families.

Checklist

• Tent(s)
• Sleeping bag/pillow
• Spare trainers/walking boots and socks
• Spare and wet/cold weather clothing
• Water bottle/pack (water will be provided at points)
• Energy drinks/gels/sweets - snacks will be available at Checkpoints
• Suitable rucksack/holdall
• Support vehicle (teams only)
• Support crew (teams only)
• Personal Insurance (recommended)
   

Armed Forces entrants

50% discount for all serving personnel and Veterans.

• Teams of 4 + support crew + vehicles
• Individuals
   

The Veterans Charity is extending invitations to the entirety of His Majesty’s armed forces, emergency services and civilians to enter teams into the march or to enter as individuals.

Teams consist of a minimum of 4 persons and each team must have their own support crew and vehicle to assist with transportation and equipment supplies.

Individual participants will have their tents and baggage transported to the overnight stops. 

Event HQ

Ilfracombe
Ilfracombe
Devon
UK

How to get there

Each participant or team is required to arrange their own transport to and from the start and finish points in Ilfracombe and Bulford.

You are responsible for arranging return transport home. Nearby Salisbury is well connected with rail and bus connections. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the location, vehicles cannot be left at the finish point during The Forces March. You are advised to travel by public transport or arrange for someone to drop you off and collect you at the start and finish points.

By rail

The nearest train station is at Barnstaple approximately 12 miles away. There is a mainline train service from London Waterloo to Exeter with coach connections to Tiverton and Ilfracombe.

By bus

There is a regular bus service from Barnstaple to Ilfracombe (no.21). There are national coach services to North Devon from many parts of the UK. National Express provides a coach service which runs from Heathrow directly to Barnstaple.

Accommodation

Ilfracombe has over 120 hotels and B&Bs so you should have little problem in finding overnight accommodation however, the May Bank Holiday period can be a very busy tourist time in North Devon, so we strongly advise you to book early!

Campsites on route

Camp facilities include ample camping space, showers and toilets (no showers at finish site), communal dining area, tea and coffee tent, event command area, medical tent, phone/tablet charging facility, on-site catering.

Overview

The route of The Forces March is very challenging.

There are many steep climbs and drops as well as adverse surface camber on some sections of the route. Extensive, well-structured training is a must if you want to complete all five days! The all-road route passes through some of the UK’s most spectacular and beautiful scenery including Exmoor, the Quantock Hills, Somerset Levels and Salisbury Plain and takes in many beautiful towns and villages along the way.

Days 1 and 2 feature the greatest undulations and day 3 begins with a very long and steep climb onto the Quantock Hills but, all five days are very challenging in their own way.

March one day or all five.

Maps

Full challenge - 138 miles over 5 days

Day 1 | Ilfracombe to Exford - 25 miles

Day 2 | Exford to Lower Toollands - 26 miles

Day 3 | Crowcombe to Somerton - 29 miles

Day 4 | Somerton to Tytherington - 28 miles

Day 5 | Tytherington to Bulford - 29 miles

Included

• Challenge entry

  Entry into all 5 days of The Forces March.

• Accommodation

  Overnight camping throughout the challenge (Exford, Lower Toollands, Somerton, Tytherington, Bulford).

• Meals, drinks, snacks

  Water and snacks at Checkpoints. Hot or cold breakfast on days 2, 3, 4 and 5. Evening meals on days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. All prepared and served on site ready for you.

• Refreshment tents

  Stocked and manned checkpoints approx. every 6 miles along the route with hot and cold drinks, energy supplements and snacks.

• GPS tracking

  For all participants and crew.

• Medical crews

  Professional medical teams on site and on route.

• Safety vehicles

  Professional escort/safety vehicles. Motorcycle marshalls at strategic points for enhanced safety/visibility.

• Baggage transfers

  Daily kit transfers meaning you can travel light and arrive to clean, dry clothing and home comforts.

• Safety briefings

  Daily safety briefing and route guidance.

• Waymarked route

  Over 135 miles of directional and safety signage.

• Bespoke medal

  The Forces March exclusive medal design for all entrants.

• Trophies

  Trophies for various category winners.

• Training tips

  Helping you get in shape and be challenge-ready.

• Fundraising support

  From The Veterans Charity Team.

• Amazing memories

  Achievement to last a lifetime.

Not Included

• Tent
• Bedding
• Clothing
• Footwear
• Transport

The Veterans Charity

Immediate needs support for Veterans who are battling hardship and distress.

The Forces March is the key fundraising event for The Veterans Charity and all funds raised on the march go to charity to help provide vital support to hundreds of Veterans who face hardship and distress. Since 2010, the participants of The Forces March have raised more than £500,000 for The Veterans Charity!

Create your own, bespoke fundraising page when registering - it's quick and easy and you can even add photos, videos and regular updates as well as tell donors your story about why you are taking part in The Forces March and why supporting our Veterans is important to you.

History of The Forces March

The Forces March is based on a march undertaken by men of the legendary Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry during WWII.

Extract from 'PEGASUS BRIDGE' by Stephen E Ambrose:

In August of 1942, General Gale sent the whole regiment to Devonshire for two months of cliff climbing and other strenuous training. He then decided to march the regiment back to Bulford Camp - some 135 miles! Naturally it became a competition between the companies.

Howard marched up and down the column, urging his men on. He had a walking stick, an old Army one with an inch of brass on the bottom. His company clerk and wireless operator, Corporal Tappenden, offered the Major the use of his bike. He refused, growling "I'm leading my company!" From gripping the stick, his hands grew more blisters than Tappenden's feet. But he kept marching. 

D Company got back to base on the evening of the fifth day, marching in at 140 steps to the minute and singing 'Onward Christian Soldiers', loudly. They came in first in the regiment by half a day! Howard had lost only two men out of 120. His stick however was so worn he had to throw it away.

Major Howard's D Company were later selected to spearhead the entire Allied invasion on D-Day. Thanks to their astounding fitness and training, the men achieved their almost impossible objective - to capture the legendary Pegasus Bridge, in under 10 minutes.

This march has become the stuff of legends and inspired the creation of The Forces March.

50% discount on entry fees for Serving Military and Veterans! Please get in touch for the code.

An event unlike no other that brings about challenges, friendships and experiences you will never forget that will make you want to do it again and again!

A mentally and challenging event, every ounce of your strength goes into this. What makes this a fantastic event to take part in is the friends you will make and the camaraderie that helps you get through. Everyone is there for the same cause. I have completed this 5 times and am planning to come back next year.