A PUNISHING test of endurance pitted civilian alongside soldier in the name of charity.

The Paras’ 10 challenge set off from Abbeyfield, Colchester, for the first time – with more than 600 civilian and military entrants raising money for The Parachute Regiment Charity.

Runners had the choice of completing the 10-mile cross-country course, through Merville Barracks and Friday Woods, in trainers or as part of the “P Company Challenge”, wearing boots and carrying a 35lb rucksack. With a target to finish within 1hr 50min, the challenge replicates one of the key fitness tests for the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces.

The Paras’ 10, which has previously been run at Catterick, has raised �1million for a range of charities since 2008.

First runner across the line was Sergeant Reuben Limbu, of Blandford-based 11 Signal Regiment. The first female civilian across the line was Tracy Bailey, a sports masseuse from Skipton.

The 38-year-old said: “I’ve worked at the Paras’ 10 in Catterick for a few years and ran it there for the first time this year. I do a lot of running, but to do a tough cross country course carrying more than a quarter of my bodyweight was a real challenge.

“I’m very proud to have finished, let alone be the first civilian woman across the line.”