Navy

Superman Takes On Supermen Of The Royal Marines

Man of Steel Henry Cavill joined more than 200 Royal Marines and Royal Navy men and women, past and present, who descended onto Gibraltar this weekend to take part in the infamous Rock Race.

The English actor, who plays the role of Superman, took up the challenge alongside his brother Lieutenant Colonel Nik Cavill MBE, a serving Royal Marine.

The race up the famous rock of Gibraltar was organised by the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and chairman Alan Hardy, who has spent the past three years planning for this event.

It also coincides with the Royal Marine Corps' 350th birthday celebrations which culminate on Tuesday – the official birth date of the fighting arm.

The RM Scotland Band led the march from Casemates through Main Street to the start line, leading the runners and walkers.

The crowds were out in force and applauded all the way through Main Street as the proud men and women marched to the start line.

The Gibraltar Rock Race is renowned in the Royal Navy, with every ship and unit visiting Gibraltar taking part in the race.

The route is 4.3 km long, comprising some 1,300 feet of climbing up narrow tarmac roads. The steep roads weren't the only concerns for the runners though, as they also had to take care not to agitate the Barbary macaques.

Colour Sergeant Lee Spencer said: "It was much harder than I thought as it was going to be but am really pleased to be here for such an important cause.

"I want to raise as much money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund as I can, I have so far raised nearly £9,500."

Henry Cavill said: "I am really proud to be a part of the event today and to support the Royal Marines – they are obviously close to my heart with my brother Nik. He let me beat him today – I think he was being kind though."