Brilat Tui to Santiago military challenge - 28 June 2023

[Bradypus]

The locally based Brilat army brigade will be holding their annual challenge march from Tui to Santiago on Wednesday this week. An extremely demanding physical test which involves a fast march for 120km from Tui to Santiago carrying a rucksack full of kit plus a rifle. Stopping along the way for a series of military skills tests such as abseiling, rifle shooting and an assault course. In past events the leading teams have covered the entire distance from Tui on foot in about 16 hours!

A Brilat celebrará o próximo 28 a 22º edición do concurso de patrullas de Tui a Santiago

Os participantes percorrerán 120 quilómetros

galego.farodevigo.es

A short YouTube video of a last year's event that gives an idea of the challenge.

 

[SabsP]

Very impressive!
Last week I met some young military recruits here on a fast march with full kit and rifle.They did not need to do other tests aside from walking but still!
And the full kit consists of heavy army boots and no light trailrunners.

 

[GraemeHall]

Hmm. Pilgrimage?
Not for me to judge, of course......

 

[Bradypus]

Hmm. Pilgrimage?
Not for me to judge, of course......

It is a military exercise run along much of the same route as the Camino Portugues. That may be of some interest to those who have walked the route at a more sedate pace or those who encounter the soldiers over the next day or two. The brigade do not describe the event as a pilgrimage. However, many of the soldiers involved end the exercise by attending mass in the cathedral and in the past the pilgrim office has given Compostelas to those participants who have requested one.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/santiago-to-finisterre-90km-in-one-day.55701/#post-624177

 

[SabsP]

Hmm. Pilgrimage?
Not for me to judge, of course......

A pilgrimage also happens in your heart and mind.

 

[GraemeHall]

A pilgrimage also happens in your heart and mind.

Mainly, in fact....

 

[GraemeHall]

Mainly, in fact....

I shouldn't say 'in fact' - in my belief....

 

[Anhalter]

I attempted a 100k/24h endurance hike this year.
I was forced to quit after little more than half.
My friends finished it between 20-22h.
The best did finish in around 13,5h.

So I feel i have some idea of what is being talked about.

We had resupplies every 20k.
We had light kits.
We only had to walk.
No additional challenges.
No shooting excercises.
Just walking.

120k in 24h with military gear weighing you down plus the extra challenges.... wow. just wow. That is brutal and far beyond anything i have seen so far.