In 2014 the Corps of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines are celebrating their 350th anniversary.

To commemorate this date, Royal Marines Commandos will ski, sail, cycle, canoe and run 6656km, in four 1664km legs over a route covering Norway, Spain, France and the UK.

The aim is to encapsulate the Commando spirit and Corps values in a significant physical and mental challenge. Between the 6th and 9th June 2014, 42 Commando will be leading the route through Devon and Cornwall from Plymouth to Fakmouth.

12 members of 42 Commando Royal Marines are expected to cross the River Fal Estuary between 1430-1615hrs on Monday 9th June, as part of a race against 6 members of the Core Team, who are running directly from Truro. Both teams will meet at the St Nazaire Memorial, where they will be welcomed in by the Mayor and conduct a minute’s silence. This will be followed by a march through Falmouth town centre accompanied by a drummer from Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band.

“The 1664 Challenge is an extraordinary event, attempting to raise a huge amount of money for a very deserving cause.  The Royal Marines Commandos, as the UK’s maritime soldiers have a natural link to Falmouth, through events such as the St Nazaire Raid. We hope people from the local area come and support the runners as they pass through Penryn, St Mawes and Falmouth; anyone is welcome to join us at Events Square to see and participate in Commando Events,” said Major Baz Lewis, Officer Commanding K Company, who is leading the 42 Commando part of the challenge.

Mne Toby Manning, 24, from Truro is looking forward to the abseil in particular.  “It’s great to see an event like the 1664 Challenge coming to my home town of Truro,” he said. “This is a huge challenge and a fantastic way to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of the Corps.”

42 Commando’s leg will culminate at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall on Monday 9th June where a Commando Display event will be running throughout the afternoon including vehicles, weapons and cookery stances, an unarmed combat display team, a Royal Band Display and a Commando slide and abseil from the Maritime Museum roof into the square.  Along with music, beer and pasty tents there will be something for all the family to enjoy.