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News

>> 02.01.08
Raid the Rock set for September 13, 2008.

>> 09.20.07
There is now no age limit for Raid the Rock team members!

>> 09.20.07
Note: Gear list has been updated to include a climbing harness.

>> 02.16.07
Raid the Rock set for October 27, 2007.

Cyprus Walkabout

Started in the late 1960's by the United Nations Forces, the aim of CWC is to provide a challenging test of physical endurance, mental stamina and team spirit, over routes that will test the competitors map reading and route selection skills. CWC is now considered to be one of the most arduous sporting competitions in the Military Sporting calendar.

CWC involves navigating through various checkpoints from Episkopi camp at 550ft to Troodos camp at 5700ft and back, over rocky, mountainous terrain, covering a distance of approximately 60 miles, all within 24 hours. Over 60 teams from the 3 Services compete each year, with teams comprising of 3 Service personnel, male, female or mixed, who are parented by the same unit.

The RAF has competed in the competition since its inception, but it is only since 1989, that the RAF teams have started to be successful due to team selection and on-island training. Although RAF Rheindalen won in 1990 and RAF Swanton Morley in 1993, it was 1995 when the RAF teams achieved their finest hour, winning every major prize in the competition. Taking the top 3 prizes were RAF Harrogate, 1st and Off-island winners, RAF Henlow 2nd and RAF Honington 3rd with the men's 12 SU(RAF) team in 5th place, winning the On-island and Veterans prizes, and the ladies 12 SU (RAF) team winning the Ladies prize. Over the last 10 years, RAF teams have regularly featured in the top ten places.

The competition is held the 1st week in October, with RAF CWC teams embarking to the island 6-10 days before the competition, flights depending. The on-island training is essential for acclimatization and for reconnoitering of the competition area, which changes every year. On Day-1 of the competition, teams start from Episkopi camp at 1-minute intervals, navigating through 6 compulsory checkpoints to the finish at Troodos camp, approximately 6000ft of climb and approximately 30 miles in distance. Day 2 is another early start with teams leaving Troodos every 30 seconds in reverse order from the first day's results. Homeward bound, teams navigate a different route to Day-1, through 6 more checkpoints, another 1000ft of climbing and another 30 odd miles. In addition to the climb and distance, teams have to put up with temperatures of 10°C in the morning to 40°C at midday. Overall it's a challenge worth considering, and the RAF CWC teams are on the look out for more new teams and competitors every year.

The RAF Sports Board sponsors the RAF CWC teams, by recognizing the CWC as one of their special supported events. RAF CWC teams are selected by the RAF CWC Team Manager, based on team experience of CWC or a similar event, i.e. any marathon or mountain marathon. Teams are entered into the following categories: open, novice, ladies, veterans or mixed. The RAF is allocated 6 teams in the competition, covering as many categories as possible. If you would like to represent the RAF in the CWC 2000, contact the RAF CWC Team Manager: Sqn Ldr Paul Nicholls, at RAF Wyton (95371) on Ext 5524.

Article thanks to http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafactive/index2.htm