A GROUP of 200 Gurkhas are tackling an iconic 10k race as part of their UK cultural training programme.

The Nepalese soldiers are doing a 39 week training course at Catterick Garrison and the Simplyhealth Great North Run has now become an important part of that. It’s the seventh time groups of Gurkhas have competed in the 6.2 mile challenge which covers many landmarks around Newcastle and Gateshead before finishing up at the International Stadium.

Sgt Dipesh Rai said: “We feel very proud to be taking part in the Simplyhealth Great North 10K once again. We look forward to it because we gain a new experience helping us to enhance camaraderie and sportsmanship.

“It’s a really good event for the recruits to join the Gurkha training team and enjoy such a big day of sport in the region.

“The atmosphere is always brilliant and it’s a good time of year weather-wise. The support you get from spectators is something that makes us excited to come back.”

Great run communications manager Kerry Simpson said: “This is the seventh year we've welcomed the Gurkhas. The participants always get behind the soldiers and love running alongside them."

This year is the tenth anniversary of the run on July 8.