I’ve been wanting to stand on the start line of Paras 10 for over a decade, specifically the TAB, however, other events took priority, more so with the move to Catterick
In March 2025 a new race started back in Colchester & I finally crossed the start line
In true race fashion, I dodged the majority of cameras & looked bored with the task in hand when eventually captured. My true consistency with racing over the years
Far from it. I loved the Paras 10
3 x 3.3ish mile laps
Having ditched the response bag for a climbing pack I bought when I was 17 (…. Soon to be 18 years ago), filled it with sand & a couple of dry bags, the undulating, wet, muddy course made for a great type 2 instigator
Starting far too close to the rear, I spent the first mile weaving & launching myself across ruts to find my natural cadence, my feet wishing I’d done some proper training, any miles in boots would have been beneficial
The green zone & other saturated areas provided some much needed relief from the windless atmosphere. After seeing fellow runners caked in mud, my time on course was rather less spectacular. The most drama came with 1.5 miles to go, both quads flirting with disaster, cramps or giving up, who knows, either way it hurt as they simultaneously contracted with full force without warning
The day was in support of Support Our Paras & my personal run for South Central Ambulance Charity , who fund being a Community First Responder, we aren’t NHS funded!
I’d love to come back next year and knock off some considerable time off
Until then, you can click here if you’d like to donate and support Ambulance Volunteers in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire & Hampshire
James Mackeddie 