In this heartfelt story, Alastair Golding shares his personal journey with Race to Remember – a challenge that has become a yearly tradition for him and his family. From solo efforts during lockdown to emotional milestones honouring his late father, Michael reflects on five years of taking part, the power of community, and why the support from Combat Stress keeps bringing him back.
2020 – The year everything changed.
With the official event cancelled due to the pandemic, I decided to do my own Race to Remember. I strapped on a 40lb bergen and covered 47km from Petersfield to Portsmouth, hitting some key landmarks along the way. That was also the debut of the now-infamous Combat Kilt (see IMG 5151). My family were my support crew, and they were brilliant – but what really stuck with me was how Combat Stress recognised my effort and even used one of my photos. That gesture alone had me signed up for the 2021 event in no time.
2021 – Aldershot to Portsmouth, 76km.
Why sign up for such a brutal challenge? Simple. Portsmouth is where I grew up – my dad served in the Royal Navy – and Aldershot was home for much of my military career with the British Airborne Forces. Linking the two meant something.
The event was small that year – maybe 22 runners – but the organisation, support and encouragement from the Combat Stress team blew me away. From the first-aid stations to the snacks and positive banter, the support was constant. Midway through, the cramps and gout hit hard, but the camaraderie between runners and the morale boost from the support team kept me going. Crossing that finish line got me well and truly hooked.
2022 – A change of pace.
Due to work and a couple of rugby knocks, I wasn’t up for the 76km. But this year was special – one of my sisters joined the Combat Stress family too. We tackled the 36km walk together. No less effort from the organisers, and despite my poor prep (huge blisters say hi), we made it to the finish line smiling. (See AKMY3239!)
2023 – A year of remembrance.
This was the year I planned to better my 2021 performance… until my dad passed away just days before the event. But what better way to honour Surgeon Lieutenant Peter Golding RN than running a Race to Remember past Whale Island, the old Royal Hospital, and the RN Rugby Union ground, ending in the historic dockyard?
The empathy I received from the event team was incredible. Speaking to other participants, you realise most of us aren't elite athletes – just everyday people pushing ourselves to honour someone important. Supported by my sisters, I crossed the finish line at HMS Warrior with pride.
2024 – All three Golding siblings on the start line.
This year, my two sisters entered the 36km, and I signed up for the 76km again, with grand plans to catch them. I made a strong start… but hit a wall just before Petersfield.
Cue the incredible Combat Stress support team. “Tail End Charlie” kept me moving and handed me over to the Petersfield crew, who rehydrated, fed, and revived me. We tried bouncing me forward, but by Rowlands Castle I was still struggling. So the team tracked down my sisters and bounced me to Hilsea to join them.
That’s what I love about these events – it’s not about times, medals or records. It’s about participation, teamwork, and support. No one cares how fast you are or how far you get – they just want you to succeed. And with that support, the three of us crossed the finish line on the first anniversary of our dad’s passing.
So what did we do next? Signed up for Race to Remember 2025, of course. Ok… maybe we had a beer first.
