05/06/2023

GWT supporters complete first Doko North Challenge

Doko Challenge North: A huge success!

Dozens of GWT supporters crossed the finish line victorious on Sunday, 4 June at our first Doko North race held in Leeds. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and ‘dhanyabad’ for taking on this challenge to fundraise for our vital work in Nepal.

Based on the traditional Gurkha Recruitment Doko race in Nepal, the challenge saw participants run 5km through Roundhay Park, carrying a traditional Doko basket weighing either 5kg, 10kg or 15kg with a time to beat of 46 minutes. It was a challenging cross-country route with more hills than our traditional Wimbledon Common race in the south, but runners were helped along by the beautiful weather.

If you’re looking to take on this thrilling challenge next year, be sure to sign up below.

Find out your time

The event was a great success, with all 59 participants finishing the course, the leader in an incredible 26:54. Whatever your time was, you deserve a Gurkha salute. If you would like to congratulate our fearless supporters for running in the footsteps of the ‘Bravest of the Brave’ by making a donation to the Trust, click here.

Check your time

Conquering the Doko Challenge aged 92

We were so pleased to see that one of our challengers was Jeffrey Long MBE, who will be 92 this year! A former paratrooper from Bingley, Jeffrey has a passion for fundraising challenges and has raised over £300,000 for different charities over the last 15 years. Though he deals with pain from a back injury sustained during his service, he put in a huge effort and finished the course in 1:57:09. Our team met him at the finish line to congratulate him on the fantastic achievement.

Our staff member Major (Retired) Bishnu Pun thanked Jeffrey Long MBE, aged 92, for taking part in the race.

We would also like to thank Mr Laxmibhakta Bantawa MBE, who has worked incredibly hard on his fundraising, which currently stands at £1,120. Laxmi joined the Gurkhas in 1976, serving in the 10th Gurkha Rifles and then in The Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR), holding the prestigious position of Gurkha Major in the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment before his retirement.