Dancon March: Another Challenge Completed

The story of Dancon March started in 1972 when the Danish troops deployed in Cyprus organized it for the first time on distances of 25 and 100 kilometers. It has become a tradition since, and has been regularly organized in all areas of operations where Danish troops are present. The main goal of the event is not competing or defeating others; rather, it is a kind of challenge for those individuals who have undertaken to cover a distance in under a given time. The only rule is that they have carry an equipment weighing at least 10kg along the designated route, which most often goes through hill and dale, hedge and ditch, presenting the participants with a great challenge.

On the morning of 17 October a huge crowd – almost 1,000 soldiers – set out on the 25km march to climb the hills near Novo Selo. Although the order of entering the finish line did not matter, the first three arrivals received special prizes. A Polish soldier achieved the best time, having covered the 25km distance in 2h 35min.

A number of Hungarian peacekeepers serving with KFOR took up the challenge as well. Hungarian SSgt. Béla Éles finished eighth with a respectable time of 2h 58min.