Soldiers trek with weighted baskets in Gurkha race

Members of the military take part in the tri-service Gurkha Doko race, carrying a Doko, a traditional Nepalese bamboo basket, at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, Surrey. Gareth Fuller/PA

The uphill course was held at Army Training Centre Pirbright on Tuesday

Cash Murphy
South East

Soldiers from the British Army took part in a gruelling Gurkha race where they carried weighted baskets on an uphill course.

They attempted to carry a traditional Nepalese basket called a Doko - weighing 15kg - on their backs over a 3.1-mile (5km) course at the Army Training Centre Pirbright, Surrey, on Tuesday.

Participants have to complete the climb in 43 minutes to progress to the next round of selection.

The Doko race was introduced in 1989 and is a rite of passage for aspiring Gurkhas to be selected for the Brigade of Gurkhas in the British Army.

One member of the military taking part in the tri-service Gurkha Doko race, carrying a Doko, a traditional Nepalese bamboo basket, weighing 15kg over five kilometres, at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, Surrey.Gareth Fuller/PA

Participants are expected to complete the challenge in 43 minutes

The real race takes place on a course in the foothills of the Himalayas and involves carrying a Doko, which has been used for centuries to transport goods, loaded with 25kg of sand.

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