Dancon March: for the first time this year

The organisation of the so-called Danish Contingent March (Dancon March) has been a tradition since 1972 during each of the Danish Contingent’s military missions, in which the invited troops perform a difficult route march with heavy equipment. This year the first such march was held on the 14th and the 15th of April, for which 1200 soldiers had registered. The distance was given – more than 20 kms –, but the grade of weight could be chosen by the individual soldiers for themselves: those accomplishing the distance with a weight of 10 kgs could earn the basic medal, and the performers carrying 20 kgs could receive the so-called “ultimate" medal.

Every KFOR nation participated in the event, but the registration was also open for the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), the Kosovo Police (KP) and the EULEX Mission police force and civil workers.

The organising Danish nation takes part only with a small contingent in the mission, so they invited the Hungarian, Polish and American soldiers to help in the operation of the various refreshment points, which perfectly shows the harmony and the unconditional co-operation among the nations performing the mission together.

“This is not a conventional competition" – we learned from Captain Gudlhammer Schreder, the Commander of the Danish Contingent, the host of the event. “One usually enters a competition against other people. This is a challenge, where the main goal is to overcome yourself. This is a social event, which is of course tailored to the soldiers’ capabilities. Yet, the competitors do not meet the distance individually, but together, helping each other."

On the first day more than 850 competitors entered, while on Sunday 360 soldiers set off. There was another innovation this year as well: a so called 2-day challenge. Those who were looking for a really big test, could register for both days, and at the end they could earn – instead of the original silver medal – a gold-coloured medal with an inscription Number 2. Hungarian soldiers participated in the event from each personnel category, from the troops to the generals: accordingly – setting an example to the Hungarian Contingent – Brigadier General János Csombók, the KFOR Deputy Commander also accomplished the route march.

"The event has been especially well organised. Recognition is due to both the Danish for the organisation, and the soldiers who participated in the march. As we carry out the mission jointly, such events remind us that co-operation is of key importance to success."

It is worth noting that most of the amount coming from the entry fees will be devoted to charitable purposes by the organisers.