Barnstaple veteran prepares for herculean 100-mile challenge to support Royal Marines charity

A Barnstaple veteran is gearing up for an incredible 100-mile on foot challenge within 24 hours and a world record, all in the name of raising funds for RMA - The Royal Marines Charity. 

The challenge will be completed by Conrad Goss, 59, who will use the Tarka Trail to complete laps between RMB Chivenor and Rock Park, Barnstaple.

It has been deemed virtually impossible. 

The challenge however, holds a deeper significance as it aims to assist the Royal Marines family in times of need.

In an exciting twist, there's a chance for Conrad to make history. 

Guinness World Records has confirmed they don't currently hold a world record title for the 100 miles in 24 hours on foot by an impaired person. 

This opens the door for Conrad to set a new world record, adding an extra layer of anticipation and potential achievement to his already impressive list of challenges.

The Royal Marines are deployed on duty around the globe 365 days a year. Though they form only four per cent of UK defence forces, they provide 47 per cent of UK special forces personnel. 

Not only is this challenge extreme in itself, but it will be an incredibly physical challenge for Conrad, who has his own personal battles which feature an extensive list of physical and mental health issues stemming from his military service. 

Conrad's journey unfolds against a backdrop of injuries and disabilities including complex PTSD, Gulf War illness, nerve agent exposure, multiple head traumas, ataxia affecting coordination, speech and memory just to name a few. 

Originally planning to complete the challenge back in 2012, the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War, life took an unexpected turn with Conrad facing his own battles, including a mental breakdown, physical disabilities and a severe bout of swine flu.

Now, with a resilient spirit, Conrad is pushing the boundaries of what seems achievable. 

The date for this audacious feat is yet to be set, pending the return of his support Team from CLR Chivenor who are on deployment but July 2024 is provisionally allocated. 

He said: "I have to be ready to go at a moment's notice. I will be doing the 100 miles on foot on the Tarka Trail by laps between CLR Chivenor and Rock Park Barnstaple."

Conrad found recovery through sport and began with the Royal Marine Rehab Triathlon in 2022, just three months after he had a pacemaker implant. This then led to him being part of the Invictus Games programme. 

He explained: "Despite my age and disabilities, I was not discriminated against and was made part of a bigger Invictus Family."

Speaking on the challenge he said: "I am preparing to succeed as much as my body will allow.

"I am limited to what I can do and I don't want to cause any further injury. So the challenge in itself will be a big training session."

"I'm out a couple times a week, out for a hoof, wearing a 25 pound rucksack as well. This training helps give me strength and increase my strength as much as possible, though the actual run itself won't be with a rucksack or anything. I'll probably just have a camel pack of water."

As Conrad embarks on this extreme fundraising journey, he has set a lofty goal of raising £10,000-plus for the RMA Charity. 

The funds will assist in providing extraordinary support to the Royal Marines family, encompassing a range of services, from recovery and rehabilitation to mental health assistance. 

2024 marks the 360th Anniversary of the Royal Marines so it’s a poignant time to honour the Corps and all those who have served. 

He has emphasised however, that the challenge is, "not about me."

A proud Devonian, he initially aspired to become a Royal Marine Commando but faced detours in his military journey. 

Despite enduring setbacks, including cardiac arrests and a Gulf War illness, Conrad's commitment to service and his fellow veterans remains unwavering.

Conrad has a variety of events that he is participating in this year. 

He has just come back from Colorado where he joined the Armed Forces SnowSport team for a race in March – an opportunity that he was lucky to be invited to.

He told the Gazette: “I trained and competed in the Giant Slalom skiing race with the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team for the UK!! Stepping-Stone to the GB Paralympic ski team. With four members already racing for Team GB.”

He also trained at 8500 ft in the Rocky Mountains at 5am on the road and in the snow in the mornings before skiing at 12060 ft to 9000 ft during the day in preparation for the racing.

Conrad is set for an eventful year ahead, packed with exciting challenges and opportunities to make a difference. 

Beginning with the Everest Base Camp Trek from May 1 to May 21, where he has aimed to raise £8000 for the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team charity.

He has already secured £2050 in donations. 

Following this, Conrad will represent Team UK at the IGF Romanian half marathon on June 15, before competing in the Royal Marines Rehabilitation Triathlon on June 27.

In 2023 he won a silver medal.

This year he will be competing in both the full distance and sprint race. 

Finally, Conrad's Conrads100miles24hours challenge, aimed at raising £10,000, will take place in July. 

With donations currently at £1000, Conrad has said he would love to reach his target goal. 

In regards to his upcoming 24 hour challenge, Conrad has invited all to join him on either of the days and support him and the charity.

Speaking on the upcoming challenge, Conrad said: “Due to operational commitments of the support group and my other commitments this has been put back to July. As long as I remain injury free it will be going ahead!! I still need to raise £10,000 for this event, currently hovering at £1000.”

You can support Conrad via his Just Giving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/conrad-goss-1681900892471?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fconrad-goss-1681900892471&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share