The race is on as 23 teams today (6 October) set off from the historic Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth to take on Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity’s Race Across the UK 2026, with Babcock and BAE Systems as headline sponsors.
Over the next four days, teams will race from Dartmouth to Inverness, travelling the length of the UK with no cars, no planes and no map apps. Armed only with a paper map, what they can carry on their backs and their own resourcefulness, participants will need to use teamwork and ingenuity to make their way through a series of secret checkpoints before reaching the finish line in Scotland on 9 October.
But getting to Inverness first is only part of the challenge. Race Across the UK is ultimately a race with a purpose, with participants fundraising for Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and helping the Charity continue its work supporting Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel and their families.
The teams began their adventure in the historic surroundings of BRNC, a fitting starting point for a challenge that will test their resilience, teamwork and ability to keep going when the route ahead is uncertain.
Captain Simon Cox OBE ADC, Captain BRNC, said:
“From the historic grounds of Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, we are immensely proud to welcome the Race Across the UK as it sets off on this extraordinary challenge in support of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity.
“To all those undertaking this unique event; your determination, teamwork, and invention embody the very spirit of service. So as you set off from this special place, where so many have started their own historic journeys, carry with you the best wishes of everyone at BRNC.
“Fair winds to you all, race hard, look after each other, and enjoy a unique journey. We will cheer you on every step of the way.”
From Dartmouth, the exact route remains a closely guarded secret. Teams will only discover where they need to go as the challenge unfolds, putting their decision-making, navigation and ability to work together under pressure to the test.
With no map apps to guide them and restrictions on how they can travel, every decision could make the difference between gaining ground on their rivals and heading in completely the wrong direction. Alicia Burnett, Corporate Partnerships and Events Manager at Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, said:
“There has been so much excitement building around Race Across the UK, so it is brilliant to finally see our teams standing on the start line at BRNC and setting off on this incredible adventure.
“They have four tough days ahead of them and, with the checkpoints kept secret, none of them knows exactly what the journey to Inverness has in store. That unpredictability is what makes Race Across the UK such a special challenge.
“Most importantly, every team is doing this to raise vital funds for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity. We are incredibly grateful to every participant for taking on the challenge, and to everyone who has supported and donated to them. We cannot wait to follow their progress.”
Race Across the UK runs from 6 to 9 October 2026, with teams expected to reach the finish line in Inverness after four days of racing.
Supporters can follow the teams’ progress throughout the race via Map – Lupine Racing.
