TROOPS from across Europe took part in a gruelling race across North Yorkshire as part of a training exercise set up by York soldiers.

The 15-stage Race The Sun started at 4.30am yesterday, when 28 teams of men and women ran to and then canoed in the River Ouse from Imphal Barracks.

The teams from across the UK and Germany then marched, ran, swam, and cycled through Linton on Ouse, Coxwold, Kirkbymoorside, Leversham, Castle Howard and then back to York for a stretcher race while carrying 40kg packs.

Lt Col Andy Knott, the commanding officer of 2 Signal Regiment based in York, who hosted and organised the event, said: “Race The Sun is an arduous challenge that tests the mettle of the soldiers in a number of ways, their physical stamina, their teamwork and their sheer determination.”

The race raises thousands of pounds for charity.