A TEAM from the Royal Marines were in Launceston on May 16, to take part in the latest leg of their 1664 Global Challenge, which is to raise money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust fund.

A core team of runners from the Marines are taking part in a 100-day event which sees the team run 16.64-miles each day. The distance is in recognition of the fact that the Royal Marines was formed in 1664.

The broader challenge will involve Royal Marines from across the globe who are taking part in a range of challenges to raise money from the Royal Marines and other Army commando charities.

They started the event in Plymouth on Tuesday, April 25 and will bring the curtain down on their journey in London on August 2.

The Launceston leg of the tour was the 22nd day of the journey. They were welcomed into the town square by town crier, Rob Tremain, who gave the runners a typically rousing introduction to get them psyched up.

Starting at 10.30am at the war memorial, the run took them North East along the Tamar Valley trail before turning South and through Lawhitton and towards Greystone Bridge. From there they turned back and ran up over Trevozah Hill, experiencing the beautiful views down Petherwin valley before running through South Petherwin.

Waving goodbye to South Petherwin, the runners took on the less-trodden footpaths and muddled their way to Tregadillett, but not before coming face-to-face with some territorial cows who chased them from style to style across the field!

As they ran along the River Kensey Valley, the impressive silhouette of Launceston Castle dominated the skyline – every footstep brought its imposing features closer – signifying the end of the challenge was nigh.

To finish off the race, the marines had to drag themselves up St Thomas Hill before being welcomed into the town square by members of the Royal British Legion at just after 2pm.

Captain Jon Phelps was delighted with the turnout and praised the hospitality of those in attendance, saying: “It was such a dreary day but the atmosphere in the town square was really good. The route we took on was quite hilly with lots of ups and downs but we all managed to do it so it was great.

“I’d also like to thank the mayor’s office for getting Rob Tremain to come and set us off, to Paul Hamlyn for the photos, the Royal British Legion members for coming to welcome us in and share their stories and of course the people of Launceston for all of your support.

“In the end we took about £270 in donations, which is excellent when you consider that the town was quiet due to the horrible weather.”

For further information on the 1664 Global Challenge, search Royal Marines 1664 Challenge on Facebook or follow on Twitter @rm1664challenge