FAQ

Q: What is the deadline to sign up?
Q: How fit do I need to be?
Q: What do I need to wear?
Q: Will I end up getting wet and/ or dirty in this event?
Q: Do I need to be in the military to take part?
Q: What time does it start?
Q: Where does it start/ finish?
Q: Can I compete with my family? What’s the age limit?
Q: Is this a relay event?
Q: Can I use public transport to get around?
Q: How do I raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity?

Q: What is the deadline to sign up?
A: We will keep online entries open until Monday 14th May unless they sell out beforehand.

Q: How fit do I need to be?
A: It depends on what your objective is. In order to take part and enjoy the day, you simply need to be ready to spend 4 hours in central London, walk a fair bit, take the tube here and there and possibly face up to some weird and wonderful challenges en route. If you are coming to compete for the silverware or push yourself hard, you may well end up running up to a half marathon-worth of distance and you will find yourself doing all manner of challenges, mental and physical. You’ll need stamina, good teamwork and some skills to project your team head and shoulders above the rest!

Q: What do I need to wear?
A: Whatever level you are tackling the Challenge at make sure you wear your Soldier Challenge t-shirt. You could take part with the family, wear something comfortable to do things in (not jeans), a pair of comfortable shoes (and a sense of humour) and have a cracking day out. Or you could come dressed for action, ready to take on the top teams for the top spot. In this case, you’ll need some road running shoes, sports kit and some food and drink to keep you going throughout the Challenge. No specialist equipment is required as where this is featured within the event (e.g. an abseiling or kayaking location) this is provided by the event for you. For more info check out the Kit & Preparation page.

Q: Will I end up getting wet and/ or dirty in this event?
A: Up to you. Some of the challenges will feature water and/ or a bit of mud. That’s all part of the fun and games. These activities will be clearly marked. If you want to keep those nice white pumps clean, avoid these wet n’ wild ones! But if you want to get in amongst it and really get to grips with the task in hand, you might end up getting a bit wet and muddy along the way! (The Assault course and kayaking activities particularly).

Q: Do I need to be in the military to take part?
A: No you don’t. It’s open to all comers – civvies and military alike. Soldier Challenge is designed to give an insight into the Army and to celebrate and utilise some of the fantastic military venues and heritage of central London. Naturally, the event will be popular with military teams and we will offer prizes for the top military and civvy teams as well as prizes for overall winners. Pride is therefore at stake as you pit your team against all manner of other challengers: Fly your flag for your unit, company, mates or family!

Q: What time does it start?
A: You can select your starting time from 2 “waves.” 1100 and 1200. It’s up to you which one you start in. You will all have 4 hours to complete as much of the challenge as you can within that time.

Q: Where does it start/ finish?
A: The base for the event has still be announced but expect a fantastic venue right in the heart of London within easy reach of transport the transport network. The event will start and finish there with food, entertainment and displays also on offer.

Q: Can I compete with my family? What’s the age limit?
A: Yes, no problem. Teams must be 2, 3 or 4 people. Entry is available for anyone over the age of 14, although we ask that 14 and 15 year olds are accompanied by at least one parent/ guardian and that participants of 16 and 17 years old (who may take part without parents/ guardians) obtain written parental/ guardian consent to do so.

Q: Is this a relay event?
A: No, it’s a team event. The team stays together at all times, moves as a unit and helps each other through all activities.

Q: Can I use public transport to get around?
A: Yes you can. The checkpoints are spread out across London and it will be up to you to decide if it’s quicker getting from A to B on foot or by tube/ bus. You are NOT allowed to use bikes, that includes no use of the Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme. Private transport is strictly prohibited including motorcycles, mopeds & cars. Oh, and no tanks either!

Q: How do I raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity?
A: Fundraising is strictly encouraged! Any donations that are made to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity are remitted directly to the charity and are used exclusively for their vital work supporting soldiers, ex-soldiers and their families. To encourage fundraising we are offering an incentive scheme by rewarding those who reach a fundraising target a discounted entry. More on how that works here. It is important to note that the entry fee does not go to the charity; this is used exclusively to stage the event.