More than 100 Royal Marines went head-to-head with the Dutch Marine Corps during Dutch Gauntlet 2026, a week-long sporting event that brought elite competition, camaraderie and international partnership to Portsmouth.
Held from 25-28 May 2026, the event saw Royal Marines and Dutch counterparts compete across eight sporting disciplines, including boxing, football, swimming, basketball, functional fitness and judo. The week built on the success of Dutch Gauntlet 2023, further strengthening the longstanding bond between the two forces while promoting morale, wellbeing and esprit de corps.
Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity awarded grant funding to support the delivery of the event and closing awards ceremony, helping ensure participants could come together to celebrate achievement, teamwork and the enduring relationship between the UK and Dutch Marines.
The funding contributed towards key elements of the week, including the finale presentation event, commemorative awards and wider event delivery.
WO2 Richie Asson, Royal Marines Sports Association (RMSA), said:
“Dutch Gauntlet 2026 was an outstanding success and showcased exactly what sport within the Corps is all about – teamwork, resilience, and camaraderie.
“The support from RNRMC played a huge role in helping us deliver an event that brought Royal Marines and the Dutch Marine Corps together both on and off the field of play. The closing ceremony and awards evening gave everyone the opportunity to celebrate what had been achieved throughout the week and recognise the people involved.
“Events like this have a real impact on morale and wellbeing, while strengthening the unique relationship between our two forces.”
Dutch Gauntlet 2026 was designed not only to promote sporting excellence, but also to reinforce wellbeing, morale and retention within the Corps through a people-focused programme centred around resilience, teamwork and shared values.
Throughout the week, personnel competed in:
- Boxing
- Football
- Functional Fitness
- Running
- Swimming
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Judo
- Basketball
Alongside competition, the Dutch contingent also took part in cultural visits across Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, celebrating the shared heritage and friendship between both forces.
Dutch Gauntlet 2026 welcomed around 200 personnel across both nations and further cemented aspirations for the event to become a recurring biennial fixture, strengthening international bonds through sport and service.
This year, the Dutch took the coveted trophy. But who will take it home come the next Dutch Gauntlet in 2030? You’ll have to watch this space…
