Our Doko Challenge is open to all!
You don’t have to be super fit or fast to try out our Gurkha Doko Challenge! Anyone over 18 can come along and find out what it’s like to run in the footsteps of “The Bravest of the Brave.”
The Gurkha Doko Challenge
Widely known as some of the most fearless and respected soldiers in the military, the Gurkhas have fought in the British Army for over 200 years. Their recruitment process remains one of the toughest in the world.
Every year there are approximately 20,000 applications to become a Gurkha in the British Army, so competition is tough. This year, of the thousands of young Nepali men who applied for a place as one of the ‘bravest of the brave’, only 337 were selected. At the heart of the gruelling selection is the famous Doko race.
In Nepal, the race is an uphill sprint in the Himalayan foothills carrying a traditional Nepali Doko basket weighing 25kg on your back. Potential recruits are expected to complete the course in under 46 minutes. Failure to do so means the end of their Gurkha selection process.
“It is our identity as Gurkha. The paras have their test, we have ours. It’s special.”
Gurkha Captain (Ret’d) Ganesh Rai.
Test yourself against the Gurkhas
This year we are offering you the incredible opportunity to put yourself in the boots of a Gurkha – and see if you have what it takes to complete the Doko race. Unlike the recruitment itself, our fundraising event is open to both men and woman, and you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic – anyone can have a go!
You’ll be taking part alongside serving Gurkha soldiers – can you challenge youself to complete the course in under 46 minutes? You’ll get to choose the weight for your Doko basket from 5kg, 10kg or 15 kg. Or bring a team and jog or walk the course together.
“We can’t transport our fundraisers to Nepal for this challenge, but we have done our best to recreate it at two fantastic locations in the UK – with a hilly cross-country course covering 5km. It will be a unique experience for people who take part and the kind of experience they will talk about for years to come.”
Keta Hunt, Events & Community Fundraising Coordinator
Inspiration from previous Doko Challengers
Physical trainer Shannon and nanny Chloe took part in the event back in 2019 keen to prove they could hold their own against the men – and urged more women to join them.
“When we heard about this unique fitness challenge and the opportunity to raise money for a great cause we jumped at the chance and the fact not many women had signed up to do it was an added incentive. As a personal trainer I know that women are just as capable as men so we signed up to show what can be achieved and we would urge other women to sign up too and give the men a run for their money whilst supporting The Gurkha Welfare Trust.”
At last year’s inaugural event in Leeds we were inspired by challenger Jeffrey Long MBE, who took part in the race at the age of 91! A former paratrooper from Bingley, Jeffrey has a passion for fundraising and has raised over £300,000 for different charities over the last 15 years. Jeffrey 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 his fantastic achievement.
Book your place
The Doko North – Roundhay Park, Leeds – Sunday 9 June 2024 10.30am
The Doko South – Wimbledon Common, London – Sunday 16 June 2024 11am