ROYAL Marines from the Commando Helicopter Force are setting off from Bournemouth this month on a gruelling physical challenge.

The Royal Marines are running over 20 marathons across the UK in September and October this year.

On Thursday September 15, they will run a marathon distance from Bournemouth Pier to Lymington.

This is just one of many challenges being planned to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Royal Marines becoming Commandos. It began on the September 1 at Lands’ End and finish on the October 30 in the Highlands of Scotland.

Personnel from all Royal Marines Commando units, Army Commandos and all Reserve units from across the country are taking part totalling about 500 men and women; Two Royal Marines will complete all the marathons.

The run will finish in Scotland where the very first Commandos were trained during the Second World War.

Lt Col Gary Green OBE, the Commando 80 Challenge organiser said: “The Royal Marines are organising several epic challenges and running many marathons around the UK over the next 3 months to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Royal Marines becoming Commandos”.

“Royal Marines love to challenge themselves, whether that is cycling around the UK, Kayaking across the Irish Sea, running a ridiculous distance or maxing out on press-ups, it’s what they do, and it’s what they do well”.

“The event will finish on the 30 October in Scotland where the very first Commandos were trained during the Second World War”.

RMA - The Royal Marines Charity needs to raise a significant amount each year to continue providing support on an enduring basis to the Royal Marines’ family.

Some of this money is raised through individual marines contributing via their pay, but the bulk comes from its fundraising community and initiatives such as the RMA and Royal Marines Cadets supporting fundraising for the Royal Marines Commando 80 Challenge.