Corps Sport

Royal Marines Cross Country Championships

by Cpl Eleanor Eastman, RM Athletics Association Team Manager

Wednesday 24 September saw the return of the annual RM Cross Country Championships, organised by the Royal Marines Athletics Association. Hosted for a second year at Bicton Arena in Devon, the course featured two laps of varied terrain, including grassy fields, woodland tracks and even a few water features. There were also plenty of hills to slow the athletes down, although in most cases the runners galloped up them with ease!

The event was suited to all levels, with some seasoned cross country runners and some for whom this was their first race. We were treated to blue skies and sunshine which, although a nice change from last year’s torrential rain, was not ideal cross country weather (the muddier the better!).

The event was attended by athletes from eight RM units, with over a third of entrants coming from the RM Band Service perhaps due to some light encouragement from the team manager, who just happens to be a Bandie! The race is also a fixture in the Southwest Autumn Running Series which includes a number of running events over the winter months attended by representatives from the Armed Forces, Police, Fire and Ambulance Services.

After the run, the athletes refuelled with hot wets and locally baked scones (served cream first, then jam, the Devonshire way!) whilst eagerly awaiting the results.

The overall winner and winner of the male senior prize, Capt Max Walker (HQCF), completed the five-mile course in just under 28 minutes! Further prizes went to Mne Liam Robinson (42 Cdo RM) for the male under 23, Sgt Georgina Phillips (HQCF) for the female senior, SSgt Naomi Benson (HQCF) for the female master and Musn Poppy Bell (RMBS) for the female under 23. The top three places earned by each unit contributed to the unit prize, which was won for a second year running by 29 Cdo Regt RA.

Runners at the 2025 RM Championships

A big thanks must go to RMA-The Royal Marines Charity for supporting this event. We hope to see you next year!

The Royal Marines Athletics Association offers funding for races throughout the year with members able to claim back race fees and utilise military accommodation and transport. These fixtures range from 5km road races to multi-day team ultra marathon events. If you are interested in joining, please email: by Clicking Here