Mercian Regiment runners complete 150-mile journey to Crich Stand for 100th annual pilgrimage
Over three days, a team of runners from 1 Mercian collectively took on a 150-mile journey from their headquarters in Bulford, Wiltshire, to the Crich memorial tower for the annual Crich Pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage to the Mercian Regiment war memorial in Derbyshire is a focal point for the regiment, which they annually travel to on the first Sunday of July.
This year marked the 100th annual pilgrimage to the memorial, known as Crich Stand.
Crich Stand is dedicated to those who served before them and paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Mercian Regiment.
Those who took part were running half-marathons, marathons and even ultra-marathons – with some even opting to run the entire 150-mile distance.
The Mayor of Dudley, Cllr Andrea Goddard, Mayor of High Peak, Cllr Peter Inman and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Razia Daniels, all attended this year's Mercian Regiment Pilgrimage to the Regimental War Memorial at Crich, commemorating the anniversary of the opening of the tower.
Cllr Peter Inman said on Twitter: "A moving visit to Crich for the centenary Mercian Regiment Pilgrimage to the Regimental War Memorial. A time for reflection and a time to remember."
The Mercian Regiment was formed in 2007 at Tamworth Castle by HM King Charles (then HRH Prince Charles), after the amalgamation of three regiments – the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, The Cheshire Regiment, and the Staffordshire Regiment.
Known as the 'heart of England's infantry' due to predominantly recruiting from the Midlands and the ancient county of Mercia, the Mercian Regiment has the distinction of having the Prince of Wales as its Colonel-in-Chief.
Last year, the new 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment was formed – combining the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Mercian Regiment.
The team of runners from the Mercian Regiment have a JustGiving fundraising page here.
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