A CHALLENGING endurance march designed to replicate an epic 135-mile training exercise from World War II made its way through Somerset on Friday. 

The Forces March is organised to support The Veterans Charity, and its participants follow in the footsteps of the men who went on to spearhead the D-Day liberation. 

The march takes place across five days, and entrants receive meals, campsite facilities, compehensive support, live GPS tracking, a high-visibility vest, access to a medical team, and a commemorative medal. 

This year's event began in Ilfracombe, Devon, on Wednesday, April 27, and it will finish on Sunday, May 1.

People who take part across all five days pay £185 and have to raise at least £1,000 for the charity. 

The event attracts military teams and runners of all abilities alongside others hoping to achieve something special. 

Bridgwater Mercury: Pete Kavanagh with a support vehicle for The Forces March. Picture: Steve RichardsonPete Kavanagh with a support vehicle for The Forces March. Picture: Steve Richardson

A spokesperson for event said: “The Forces March is one of the UK's adventures and is held in aid of The Veterans Charity.

“The event follows the route of a legendary and arduous WWII training march from Ilfracombe in North Devon, through Exmoor, rural Somerset, over the Quantock Hills, across the Somerset Levels, and then finally across Salisbury Plain to the finish at Bulford - a total of 135 miles (the equivalent of five marathons in five days!).

“The Forces March is a unique, life-changing event which is now in it's 10th year. Open to runners and walkers, military and civilians, teams and individuals, The Forces March is not a race - it's an adventure!

“The event attracts people from all backgrounds and abilities who are inspired by the cause, the scenery and the challenge. Many return year after year having enjoyed the truly unique event and an incredible bond which forms between those taking part.”

The Veterans Charity was founded in 2008 to support former armed forces members of all generations from across the UK.

It supplies essential provisions - including food, clothing, household items, utilities support, and smartphones - to veterans in need. 

GALLERY: The Forces March in Sedgemoor

Bridgwater Mercury: Matthew Babbington and Jason Sandy. Pictures: Steve RichardsonMatthew Babbington and Jason Sandy. Pictures: Steve Richardson

Bridgwater Mercury: Paul Crum and Zoe Flavell.Paul Crum and Zoe Flavell.

Bridgwater Mercury: Errol Robinson, Josh Mann, and Iqbal Mann manning the water station, pictured with Pete Forbes on The Forces March.Errol Robinson, Josh Mann, and Iqbal Mann manning the water station, pictured with Pete Forbes on The Forces March.

Bridgwater Mercury: Alex, Keith, Callum, Thapa, and Waqanivavalaga on the march.Alex, Keith, Callum, Thapa, and Waqanivavalaga on the march.

Bridgwater Mercury: Dave Cousins and Stuart Andrews.Dave Cousins and Stuart Andrews.

Bridgwater Mercury: Chris Bradshaw and Ian Parsons.Chris Bradshaw and Ian Parsons.

Bridgwater Mercury: Mike Kempster and Selaine Saxby.Mike Kempster and Selaine Saxby.

Bridgwater Mercury: Ann Lyon, Yvonne Sykes, and Frank Harkness.Ann Lyon, Yvonne Sykes, and Frank Harkness.

Bridgwater Mercury: Rob Starbuck and Mick Massey.Rob Starbuck and Mick Massey.

Bridgwater Mercury: The Forces March began on Wednesday, April 27.The Forces March began on Wednesday, April 27.