A remarkable Royal Marine Commando, Lance Corporal Luke Grainger from Chivenor has pushed himself to the limit with a unique running adventure, completing 60 marathons in 60 days, as part of the Royal Marines Commando 80 Challenge in aid of RMA – The Royal Marines Charity.
Luke crossed the finishing line of his 60th marathon at the Commando Memorial near Spean Bridge, the ancestral home of the wartime commandos who trained at nearby Achnacarry during WW2, 80 years ago.
On completion, Luke was presented with a gift and letter from His Majesty King Charles III, Captain General Royal Marines to commemorate his historic achievement.
Today has totally blown away my expectations. Little did I know that I would complete my final run with so much support, handshakes, interviews, donations, photos, gifts, a surprise visit from my parents and, yes, a letter and gift from His Majesty King Charles III.
“I cannot put into words how overwhelmed yet grateful I am with all of these combined.”
LCpl Grainger on his RMA fundraising page:
“I have completed this challenge for The Royal Marines Charity,” said Luke. “It’s the final event of many that Royal Marines have done this year to commemorate 80 years of the Royal Marines taking on the Commando role.
“The support from Royal Marine and Army Units I have run with has been exceptional. Nothing has been too much trouble, whether getting certain food for me, to adapting the route depending on how I am feeling.
“I have met and run alongside a range of ranks from Marines to Colonels, 90% of whom I had never met before. My Bosses at Chivenor have been especially supportive, allowing me the time away from the Unit, regularly checking in with me, providing help and advice where it is needed.”
Luke is also grateful from the Public support….It’s been second to none. I’ve spoken with people from all walks of life, in many different parts of the country and even had people jumping out of cars to throw money into the charity pot.
On Saturday, Luke crossed the finishing line of the penultimate marathon in front a 67-000 strong crowd present at Murrayfield for the Autumn Rugby test between Scotland and Australia.