The Doko Challenge North
TG
From The Gurkha Welfare Trust
Sunday 15th June 2025
Past event
10:30
Leeds
£22.50 · 1 race
5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating experience at The Doko Challenge North, hosted by The Gurkha Welfare Trust on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in the beautiful Roundhay Park, Leeds, West Yorkshire. This unique and inspiring event invites participants to embrace the spirit of the Gurkhas by tackling a challenging 5km cross-country course while carrying a traditional Nepali Doko basket strapped to their backs. With options to choose from basket weights of 5kg, 10kg, or 15kg, participants can run, jog, or walk at their own pace. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual runner, you can join in the fun and camaraderie, with many aiming to conquer the Gurkha recruitment time of 46 minutes. Last year’s event was a tremendous success, drawing both civilians and serving Gurkhas alike, making it a truly memorable day for all involved! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary challenge that celebrates strength, determination, and the rich heritage of the Gurkha community.
The Doko Challenge North
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Races
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Doko North - 5k
Entries closed£22.50
Event information
Undulating course through beautiful surroundings of Roundhay Park
You can choose for your Doko basket to weigh 5kg, 10kg or 15kg, and can run, jog, or walk the route. Those looking to push themselves can aim to beat the Gurkha recruitment time of 46 minutes! We will provide you with a Doko basket for the race, complete with your chosen weight. Don’t worry, Gurkhas will be on hand to make sure it is fitted correctly.
Parking available at Roundhay Park. The closest car parks to the start line are Tram Park and the Lakeside Car Park.
Roundhay Park
Mansion Ln
Leeds
LS8 2HH
Mansion Ln
Leeds
LS8 2HH
10:30 Registration & Doko basket collection
11:45 Welcome & warm-up
12:00 Race begins
13:30 Finishers group photo
11:45 Welcome & warm-up
12:00 Race begins
13:30 Finishers group photo
What is a Doko?
A traditional Nepalese conical-shaped basket, usually hand woven from bamboo, fitted with shoulder straps and a 'namlo' (head strap) to support the load. The baskets are used to carry a whole host of things, from clothing to bricks!
A Historic Challenge
Every British Army Gurkha Soldier will be familiar with the 'Doko Race'. During the world-renowned annual Gurkha recruitment drive, the aspiring recruits are tasked with ascending a gruelling course in the foothills of the Himalayas carrying a 'Doko' loaded with 25kg of sand. They must complete the course within 46 minutes to proceed through to the next round of selection.
Supporting Gurkha veterans and widows in Nepal
Alongside keeping fit and challenging yourself, you can take great pride in raising money to support our team in Nepal, keeping our Gurkha veterans and widows safe and giving them the means to live with dignity. We suggest you set a fundraising target of £150. Your online fundraising page will be created automatically when you register, and we will be on hand throughout to answer any queries you may have.
A traditional Nepalese conical-shaped basket, usually hand woven from bamboo, fitted with shoulder straps and a 'namlo' (head strap) to support the load. The baskets are used to carry a whole host of things, from clothing to bricks!
A Historic Challenge
Every British Army Gurkha Soldier will be familiar with the 'Doko Race'. During the world-renowned annual Gurkha recruitment drive, the aspiring recruits are tasked with ascending a gruelling course in the foothills of the Himalayas carrying a 'Doko' loaded with 25kg of sand. They must complete the course within 46 minutes to proceed through to the next round of selection.
Supporting Gurkha veterans and widows in Nepal
Alongside keeping fit and challenging yourself, you can take great pride in raising money to support our team in Nepal, keeping our Gurkha veterans and widows safe and giving them the means to live with dignity. We suggest you set a fundraising target of £150. Your online fundraising page will be created automatically when you register, and we will be on hand throughout to answer any queries you may have.
Organiser's description
This unique event sees participants running in the footsteps of the ‘Bravest of the Brave’. Based on a pivotal part of the Gurkha selection process, we challenge you to take on a 5km cross-country course through Roundhay Park with a weighted Nepali Doko basket strapped to your back. Last year’s event proved to be hugely popular with both civilians and serving Gurkhas alike!
You can choose for your Doko basket to weigh 5kg, 10kg or 15kg, and can run, jog, or walk the route. Those looking to push themselves can aim to beat the Gurkha recruitment time of 46 minutes!
You can choose for your Doko basket to weigh 5kg, 10kg or 15kg, and can run, jog, or walk the route. Those looking to push themselves can aim to beat the Gurkha recruitment time of 46 minutes!
TG
The Gurkha Welfare Trust
The Gurkha Welfare Trust provides vital support to Gurkha veterans, their families and communities in Nepal. We enable people to live with dignity by delivering essential financial and medical aid and work with local communities to provide access to clean water and education.
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