Do you have what it takes to complete the 'Bootneck Challenge'? A sponsored walk or run to raise funds for the Rushden Sea Cadets and Rushden Historical Transport Society.

A Bootneck is the common term used in the military to describe a Royal Marine - the elite Commandos of the Royal Naval Service. Bootnecks are renowned across the world for their physical strength and mental stamina, so we thought who better to inspire us all to get outside exercising after the last few months of lockdown!

The challenge is simple, and don't worry, we aren't trying to turn you all into Bootnecks - you can do as much or as little as you like each day, and you can run or walk each distance, spread over multiple sessions and days. Between 1 June and 31 August, we are challenging you to complete 4 significant distances - 6-miles, 9-miles, 30-miles, and 56-miles. Everyone starts the challenge as a basic recruit. After you complete each distance you get a certificate of promotion, then you #LevelUp to start the next distance.

Level 1: Distance 6-miles. On completion promote to rank of Marine.

Level 2: Distance 9-miles. On completion promote to rank of Corporal.

Level 3: Distance 30-miles. On completion promote to rank of Sergeant.

Level 4: Distance 56-miles. On completion promote to rank of Colour Sergeant.

Total distance covered = 101 miles. You have up to 92 days to complete.

How does it work?

Ask family and friends to sponsor you (or just make a donation yourself) - all donations go to the Rushden Sea Cadets JustGiving page. Then throughout Jun, Jul & Aug, get outside for your daily exercise (social distancing rules apply) and log your distance each day using your preferred fitness tracking app (Strava is a great free choice if you don't already have one on your phone). Once you reach the target distance for your level, send a screen shot of your progress to: info@rushdenseacadets.org.uk. We will then send you a certificate of promotion and you are able to start the next level. We'd love it if you could also send us selfies whilst you are out, which we can post on social media to promote how well you are all doing. If you complete all four levels and raise more than £20 in sponsorship or donations, you will also be awarded a special limited edition Bootneck Challenge t-shirt.

What is the significance of these distances?

All four of the distances we have chosen for the 'Bootneck Challenge' have significance for the Royal Marines. During initial training all recruits have to complete a series of intense physical challenges, designed to test if they have the physical and mental strength to be a Commando. These tests include the infamous 6 mile Endurance Course, a 9 mile speed march, and a 30 mile 'yomp' across Dartmoor (a 'yomp' is a mixture of speed marching and running). The fourth distance has taken on significance since the 1982 Falklands war. After disembarking from ships at San Carlos on East Falkland, Royal Marines and members of the Parachute Regiment 'yomped' across the islands, covering 56 miles in three days, whilst carrying 80 pounds of kit and ammunition.