The Paras 10-mile TAB is a multi-terrain endurance event (TAB stands for Tactical Advance to Battle). The Parachute Regiment challenges you to attempt the 10 Mile ‘P’ Company Cross Country Route, carrying a Bergen (rucksack) weighing 35lb (excluding food water) and wearing long trousers with ‘military style’ or hiking boots with ankle support. Competitor’s rucksacks are weighed before and after the race, by race officials.
In 2016 Mark decided that this was to be another challenge for him to undertake just 1 week before he was to complete the GNR. Mark’s training consisted of running and Tabbing with a 35lb Bergen on his back. The training schedule was gruelling but nothing compared to the actual event. Mark completed the event in just over 2 hours the last mile being the toughest as his knees started to hurt and he got cramp in his calf’s and hamstrings. This was an outstanding achievement considering that this event was nothing like anything he had taken part in before.
In Marks own words “That last mile took me to a dark place!!”.