2019 Edition

For this year’s write-up, we’ll leave it to the words of those who took part – enjoy the photos and comments!

“Has to be the most well planned and executed event ever. Thank you to all the Royals, cops, civvies, mountain rescue and others who put in a day supporting the event. Thanks to Lee and Si for starting the whole thing in the first place. The atmosphere and camaraderie was first rate”.

“Excellent event and very well-run”.

“Thanks to all involved-this gets better every year. Hats off”.

“Completely unique and one of the best events I have entered”.

“Amazing day. Amazing people”.

“Brutal but brilliant”.

“Hopefully be back again next year to raise some more money…just an awesome event!!!”

“Awesome well run event”.

“A tough challenge. Beautiful scenery. Harsh terrain. An incredible event – proud to have taken part”.

“A great physical challenge which is very well organised and I recommend it to anyone who would like to give it a try”.

“It was an incredible event, meticulously planned and attended by a great bunch of people”.

“One brutal event”.

“Hardest thing I’ve ever done”.

“A brutal event for the relentlessly resolute only!”

“It was a great event & I really enjoyed the whole set up”.

“The Royal Marines were fantastic. The organisation was outstanding. A big thanks as well to everyone involved in the organisation of the COPS 30 Miler”.

“Definitely a varied route terrain wise – hard going”.

“Proud to have been a part of it, thank you to all involved”.

“A great day and so well organised. Felt encouraged and supported at every point. Such a unique event”.

“Thoroughly enjoyed this years event and would love to do it again”.

“Great day out. Awesome effort from all who took part”.

“Proud to have been part of this awesome event”.

“Congratulations to all who took part, planned and managed what is a unique endurance event raising funds for such worthy causes”.

“A superb event.”

“Just like to say a massive thanks to all the organisers of this event. I had a brilliant time and the challenge is something to be respected. Fantastic that so much money had been raised for two great charities – you should be very proud of this event you have created and developed”.

“Great weekend had by all”.

“You guys and your team deserve a massive pat on the back”.

“Harder than the actual 30 miler I did as a Royal Marines recruit”.

“It’s been a fantastic experience for me personally, I made some new friends on the hills, I’m in awe of what you’ve set up”.

“The military touch to everything gives an extra and special flavour to the event that no other can offer”.

“A really good team spirit!”

So from us, the organisers, all that remains to say is a massive thanks to all involved and well done to everyone who took part or donated sponsorship money. We’ll leave you with more photos taken by various participants and see you next year!

2018 Edition

On the afternoon of Friday 28th September 2018, this year’s COPS 30 Miler participants began to arrive at Clennell Hall, where they booked in, grabbed some food, then gathered for the safety briefing. An overview of the event was provided, after which participants met the organisers and some of the Royal Marines who they would be running alongside the next day.

Next morning came around quickly and this year the Royal Marines chefs offered to include COPS 30 Miler participants in the breakfast they prepared for the Marines facilitating the event, so flame-grilled sausage and bacon sandwiches were made available to anyone who wanted one (or two). Perfect for 0500hrs in the dark and freezing cold.

After that, it was time for a kit check and transport to the start point; the 42 participants climbed onto a coach and were driven along country roads as dawn began to break. At Kirknewton, there was just time for a few photos and good wishes, before the three syndicates set off into the hills alongside the Royal Marines, 15 minutes apart. What followed was the usual blend of effort, determination, banter, laughs, pain, personal battles and triumph that has come to characterise this magnificent event.

Back at Clennell, the participants marched into the grounds of the hall to the applause of families, friends and supporters, before standing in a ‘hollow square’ formation and being addressed by the Royal Marines Colonel. T-shirts and patches were distributed and then it was time for the traditional barbecue, drinks and story-telling.

24 of the 42 participants completed the course this year, including the first women in the history of the event. A record-breaking amount of sponsorship money was also raised for the two charities (final figure to be disclosed in due course).

Below you can find a few photos of the 2018 COPS 30 Miler experience…

No photographic evidence of port-related shenanigans this year involving the infamous Venty apparently, although there’s always 2019…

2017 Edition

At 0600hrs on Saturday 2nd September, a convey of military vehicles left the RV point at Clennell Hall, Northumberland, carrying a combination of Royal Marines and 24 COPS 30 Miler participants. After de-bussing at Kirknewton and a final kit check, the first of three syndicates set off alongside their syndicate commander and his team of Marines. The other two syndicates soon followed and there began an unforgettable and humbling day of achievement and exertion, amidst the beautiful and unforgiving terrain of the Cheviot Hills.

By the end of the afternoon, just 7 of the 24 had managed to complete the full 30 miles, but all agreed everyone gave 100% and battled through personal limits, blisters, aches, pains and a few minor injuries, to go as far as they could. Presentations, photos and congratulations followed once back at base as families, friends and supporters looked on and then the day ended with another great social event at Clennell, including a barbecue and hog roast. As the aches subsided, people started talking about coming back for the 2018 edition…

The final total raised for was £12,790. Well done and thank you to everyone who took part, as well as those who sponsored participants or supported the event in any other way.

Here’s a short promo video, taken by participant John Hodgson, as well as a few photos from the day, courtesy of various participants.

The event was also featured on the Channel 4 TV programme, Jimmy and Jamie’s Friday Night Feast – a short clip can be viewed here.

 

And finally…

…Venty on the port again!

See you in 2018.

2016 Edition

At 0700hrs on Saturday 20^th August 2016, the 18 participants of the first COPS 30 miler yomp set off from the tiny village of Kirknewton, at the northernmost tip of the Northumberland national park. These individuals, who came from various walks of life, had volunteered to carry 30lb backpacks (plus food and water) and run alongside Royal Marines Commandos, up and down hills, through fields, across streams, over barbed wire fences, along farm tracks, and other features of the wild and beautiful terrain that makes up The Cheviot Hills.

The route, logistics and medical support were planned to meticulous detail by the men of RMR Scotland: Tyne Detachment, led by Captain Andy Dyer. Approximately 30 Marines were directly involved during the day, running alongside participants and setting the pace whilst navigating, monitoring progress and safety.

The day started out bright and sunny, but soon became overcast, misty and drizzly, before a full-on downpour drenched everyone from the 20 mile mark onward. Undeterred, the participants pushed on, soaked to the bone, with the sound of the Royal Marines syndicate leaders shouting encouragement throughout: “Close the gap! Push up to the front!” Over the full duration of the course, apart from overcoming brutal terrain and physical exhaustion, participants climbed over 5,000 feet – almost one and a half times the height of Mount Snowdon.

Of the 18 participants who started, 10 were able to complete the full 30 miles, with 2 being withdrawn by Captain Dyer due to injury and 6 reaching their personal limits and having to step down. Everyone gave 100% and rightly feels proud of what was achieved.

At the conclusion of the 30 miler at Clennell Hall near Alwinton, participants were applauded by the Royal Marines as well as families, friends and supporters. There followed a short presentation of certificates, souvenirs and COPS 30 Miler T-shirts, then it was time to tend to aching feet, grab a drink and enjoy the barbecue that the Marines had laid on for everyone.

Captain Dyer commended all who took part, saying, “Whether or not someone managed to complete the full 30 miles, it is a real achievement to carry that amount of weight, at that pace, across such extreme terrain and in such horrible weather”.

Over £5,000 was raised in total, which is testament to the dedication of those who took part and put such effort into fundraising for two very worthwhile causes.

More photos…

Syndicate 1 kit check

Syndicate 2 getting ready

About to set off…

Quick breather at a checkpoint

Chris checks Facebook, whilst Ollie dries out following his unscheduled swim

Great views from the top!

‘The most honking hill on the course’

Soaked at the final checkpoint

Barbecue time at Clennell Hall

Venty on the port again