The Doko Challenge North

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.

• Fully signposted, 5km cross-country course, with volunteers marshalling the route and cheering you on throughout
• Chip timers and online results, viewable on the day
• Finishers medal
• Individual and group finish line photos, available via our online gallery after the event

10:30 Registration & Doko basket collection

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.