If you’ve never heard of Para 10, buckle up—this isn’t your average fun run. Held annually at Catterick Garrison since 2007, Para 10 is a unique endurance event designed to support our Parachute Regiment veterans and give civilians a taste of military challenge.

The garrison opens its firing ranges to the public for one wild weekend, offering three 10-mile events:

• 🏃‍♂️ The Run – A straightforward 10-mile race across rugged terrain.

• 🐕 Canicross – Same course, but with your four-legged teammate.

• 🎒 The TAB (Tactical Advance to Battle) – The crown jewel. Participants are expected to carry a weighted bergen (35 lbs) and complete the 10-mile course in under 1 hour 50 minutes—no small feat when you’re navigating rough terrain and relentless hills. It’s not just a race; it’s a test of grit, endurance, and mental toughness.

The TAB draws competitors from around the globe—some chasing the time, others chasing the experience.

It’s the TAB I decided to have a crack at.

I roped in a few friends too—Rob and Jamie, my usual running buddies, and Mark Wheelhouse, who travelled all the way from Essex for the challenge.

Leading up to the event, I was running well and feeling confident. But on my final training run the week before, an old ACL injury flared up and threw my race into question. Then Jamie picked up an injury and had to pull out altogether. So on race day, it was just Rob, Mark, and a crocked me.

Registration was simple: tell the volunteers your name, grab your envelope containing your race number and chip timer. We hung around the village for a while, weighed our bergens, grabbed a coffee, and checked out the military hardware on display.

Like clockwork, at 11:00 the race began. Rob set off fast and was soon out of sight. Mark and I decided to tackle it together. We started strong, following the pack along a gravel track for about a mile before hitting the first incline—a gentle hill, but the last bit of flat running we’d see.

The next nine miles were a constant battle of ups and downs with zero respite.

My ACL held up, though it kept reminding me it was there—nudging me to slow down or even stop at times. The terrain was almost entirely gravel track, which took its toll on the feet. Around mile eight, we hit a water section that went knee-deep, followed by a steep hill that had some people scrambling on hands and knees.

Rob crossed the line in 2:09, while Mark and I came in 30 minutes later.

At the finish line, ex-veterans handed out medals and shirts—a humbling moment.

It was brutal. It was beautiful. And it was deeply humbling. You’re not just running; you’re stepping into the boots of those who train to defend.

Whether you’re a seasoned OCR athlete or just someone with a stubborn streak and a love for challenge, Para 10 delivers. It’s muddy, it’s tough, and it’s packed with camaraderie. And when you cross that finish line, you’re not just tired—you’re proud.

I want to say a huge thanks to Rob for keeping me grounded and to Mark whom kept my mind of my injury with great conversation l throughout the event 

Author - Alan ( Muddy Duck) Moore