PERSONNEL from RAF Odiham have taken on a new sort of mission while on deployment in West Africa.

More than 25 serving personnel set out on a race that faced the extreme elements of the Sahara Desert, completing a cumulative giant marathon of 3,910 miles.

That is the equivalent of travelling from Mali, where they are based, to the UK and then a bit further.

The challenge was undertaken to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity.

In the first ever ‘Chinook Mali Wild Dog Challenge’, the team accomplished the gruelling mission by running, biking and rowing a total of 3,910 miles ‘back to RAF Odiham’ from the Gao Airfield in Mali.

A further 10 personnel also challenged themselves by running 202 miles, the same distance as travelling from Gao to Timbuktu.

The personnel, all part of 1310 Flt from 18 Squadron, began the challenge when they were deployed to Mali with the RAF Chinook Force in January. The group has endured temperatures in excess of 40C and had to limit their exercise to the early morning before temperatures increased.

Marathon organiser Flight Lieutenant Matt Williams said: “This was by far one of the most difficult challenges I have ever done.

“The intensity of the heat, and the dust that swept up from high winds and storms reduced the visibility down to ‘near zero.’

“Never have I wished so much for pavement and British soil.

“Nevertheless, supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund was an incredibly worthy cause. It allowed us to aid a charity that directly looks after the welfare of all members of the RAF.”

“Along with our existing relationship with Princess Marina House, a welfare centre providing holiday breaks for RAF personnel their families, the RAF Benevolent Fund is a charity we are most honoured to support.”

To support the RAF Fundraisers in the Mali Chinook Wild Dog Challenge, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/1310fltmali.