The first week's challenges are inspired by two separate Gurkha Army pre-training fitness tests, usually carried out on a camp in Dharan. These physical tests are used to establish if the potential recruit has what it takes to hack it as a Gurkha soldier.
800m for time
Achieve a distance of 800m in as quick as time as possible.
You must start and finish in roughly the same location
As this is a timed challenge, to stop people just running down a hill to get the best time possible, you are required to end your attempt roughly in the same location in which you started. You can achieve this my either running out half way and then turning back on yourself, or, running a single looped route, or, multiple loops of a circuit.
Set treadmill to 2.5%
It is preferred that you tackle this challenge outside, however, if you are unable to do so and must use a treadmill, then the treadmill must be set at a 2.5% gradient.
Eg: Strava, Garmin, Fitbit...
Time
2m 30s
2m 40s
2m 50s
3m 00s
3m 10s
3m 20s
3m 30s
3m 40s
3m 50s
4m 00s
4m 10s
4m 20s
4m 30s
4m 40s
4m 50s
5m 00s
5m 10s
5m 20s
5m 30s
5m 40s
5m 50s
6m 00s
6m 10s
6m 20s
6m 30s
6m 40s
6m 50s
7m 00s
7m 10s
7m 20s
7m 25s
Points
60
58
56
54
52
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
34
32
30
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
1
Weighted Shuttle Challenge
Advanced: 20kg
Intermediate: 15kg
Moderate: 10kg
Novice: 5kg
Measure and mark out a 15m track
Use a tape measure to measure out a 15m clear track in which to conduct the fitness test and mark it out with cones or alternative objects.
Use a weighted rucksack or gym sandbag for the weight
You can use whatever weight you like, however, it is recommended that you use either a rucksack filled with weight or a gym sandbag/powerbag to conduct the fitness test.
Place one foot outside the markers
When you reach the end of the track at both ends you must place one foot outside the markers.
Rest the weight outside the marker
When resting the weight between shuttles, you must place the weight outside of the marker.
Video Evidence Format:
Recommendations:
Completion Points
Entry-Level
Advanced
Intermediate
Moderate
Novice
Points
40
30
20
10
Time Points
Time
1m 20s
1m 27s
1m 34s
1m 41s
1m 48s
1m 55s
2m 02s
2m 09s
2m 16s
2m 23s
2m 30s
2m 37s
2m 44s
2m 53s
3m 00s
3m 07s
3m 14s
3m 21s
3m 28s
3m 35s
Points
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
7
6
Before submitting, please make sure you have ready:
Found on your Challenge Entry purchase confirmation email.
It is highly recommended that you complete the challenge within 7-days of its issue, however, we will accept submissions right up until 7-days after the end of the series. We will not accept submissions after this time.
This is a brutal physical challenge for which you are responsible for your own health and safety. It is imperative that you read through, understand and follow our health and safety guidelines before you embark on your challenge attempt. This list is only a guide. It is your responsibility to take the appropriate health and safety measures during the attempt of a challenge.
Consult a physician
You should consult a physician before you begin any strenuous exercise program, such as the one described on this website, especially if you have or suspect that you may have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other adverse medical conditions. If you feel faint or dizzy at any time while performing any challenges or exercise, stop immediately and seek medical evaluation.
Plan your route
On running challenges, we strongly recommend planning your route with online running route planners. This leaves out the guesswork, allowing you to know the distance and elevation before you embark on the challenge.
Let others know
When performing any challenge, we strongly recommend you let a friend or family member know what you are doing and where and when you are doing it and what time you are expected to return incase you face any difficulty.
Carry a mobile phone
We strongly advice that you carry with you a fully charged mobile phone and back up battery if possible.
Bad weather
Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Nutrition and hydration
You are responsible for your own nutrition and hydration as this is a self-disciplined event. Please ensure you have enough fluids and food or adequate access to these. Click here to read our guide on fuelling correctly for this challenge.
If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to get in touch.