MORE than 100 civilians and military personnel took on a unique charity challenge named the Rifle Run at the weekend - combining a 10k run with a shooting trial.

The Rifle Run saw 119 participants run 10km across the grounds of the West Wycombe Estate, stopping every 3km to take on a shooting trial.

Faced with a 250m penalty lap for each shot they missed, the participants strived to hit all the targets and avoid a potential 5km extra distance in penalty laps.

The competition was high, with a combination of civilian and military groups all taking on the challenging route. The overall winner of Rifle Run 2019 was Darren Hestleton from Gwynedd, scoring an impressive 18 out of 20 and completing the course in just 53 minutes.

Alongside training, participants have been busy fundraising in the lead up to the event and in total The Soldiers’ Charity hopes to raise £60,000 to support soldiers, veterans and their families.

Director of fundraising at the charity, Sean Bonnington, said: “We’re delighted with the success of Rifle Run in its second year, seeing people from all walks of life come together to take on this challenge and raise vital funds to support soldiers, veterans and their families in need has been truly inspirational.

“With the event open to everyone aged 18 or older regardless of shooting experience or military experience we look forward to welcoming even more people to next year’s event.”