Hungarian Successes in the Dancon March

The Dancon March was organised in 1972 for the first time in Cyprus by the soldiers of the Danish Army. The 25-kilometre route designated among the mountains had to be covered in under six hours. Since then, Dancon March is organized in all areas of operations, where Danish troops are deployed, for example in Cyprus, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and in Afghanistan. The “performance tour" was organised in August 1999, for the first time in Kosovo.

Close to forty Hungarian soldiers took part in the march regarded as uncommon owing to the hot weather. The twenty-five-kilometre route starting from Camp Novo Selo and leading through the surrounding hills had to be covered with an extra weight of at least ten kilograms wearing uniforms and boots. The entrants successfully completing the designated distance in under the given time limit received a “Dancon March" medal and a certificate.

Three soldiers of the HDF 5TH Bocskai István Infantry Brigade from among the 600 participants excelled with their performance. Lance Corporal Andrea Filipinyi – who participated in the sixth Dancon March including this – confidently won the women’s category. First Lieutenant Csaba Búz finished third in the men’s category. Also, Lance Corporal Leon Törteli’s performance was outstanding, who undertook a special test of strength, and completed the route carrying a 56-kilogram weight – his backpack and his machine gun.

The entry for the march took place on a voluntary basis. The organisers use the remaining amount of the participation fees to support two schools in Kosovo and also the Danish veterans and their families.

Photos of the author and the Danish Contingent