Push your limits. The ultimate test.
SCRATCH
Discover your potential with The Unit Challenge – an experience designed and led by former Irish Special Forces. Tailored for individuals, this challenge focuses on mental resilience, personal achievement, and physical endurance. Step out of your comfort zone and emerge stronger than ever.
Introducing
SCRATCH
Are you ready to shatter your limits and face the ultimate test of endurance? The Unit Challenge isn’t just any series of events; it’s a relentless gauntlet of physical and mental trials designed to push your boundaries, forge your resilience, and awaken your inner warrior. Each phase is engineered to strengthen your adaptability and reveal where you truly stand. This is no walk in the park—this is for the relentless, the bold, and those who crave raw, unfiltered accomplishment.
Challenge Timeline
The Unit Challenge unfolds over two intense phases, each stacked with brutal tests to break through your comfort zone and raise your game.
Every challenge must be conquered to advance to Phase 2.
Test 1
Scratch
DATE TBC
Scratch is the ultimate test for those aiming to join get an insight into Special Forces selection, pushing you through extreme endurance challenges and mental and physical trials. Known as one of the toughest selection processes in the world, it demands resilience, strength, and sheer determination – only the best make it through!
Test 2
Foreman / Aftman (17km)
Sat 22 FEB 2025
A punishing 17km trek over harsh terrain with a 45-lb pack, vest, and helmet. It’s you versus nature at a fierce pace of 4 kph. The failure rate is high—train hard, train smart.
Test 3
Battle Run (12.7km)
Sat 29 MAR 2025
A solo 12.7 km run with a 55-lb load over rugged terrain. You’ve got 1 hour and 50 minutes. No excuses, just grit.
Test 4
Surprise Test
Sat 26 APR 2025
Test 5
Long Walk
Sat 31 MAY 2025
Think you’ve seen the worst? Think again. This phase is where legends are made.
Test 6
Navigation Test
Sat 28 JUN 2025
Distance confirmed on the day
Test 7
Navigation Test
Sat 26 JUL 2025
Distance confirmed on the day
Test 8
Surprise Test
Sat 30 AUG 2025
Test 9
Navigation and Confidence Test
Sat 27 Sep 2025
Distance confirmed on the day
Test 10
Long Walk Extreme
Sat 25 OCT 2025
The ultimate test of endurance, pushing you to the edge of your physical and mental capabilities.
Path to SUCCESS
Your success isn’t down to luck; it’s forged through relentless preparation and grit. Here’s how you conquer our toughest tests:
This beast has defeated many due to poor training and nutrition. Conquer it by training on ‘tired legs,’ perfecting your conditioning, optimising your nutrition, and building the mental resilience needed to endure.
This isn’t just a run—it’s a relentless war on exhaustion, demanding high-paced endurance over rugged, unforgiving terrain with a heavy 55-lb load. Train to build unyielding stamina and push your limits to the absolute max.
We’ve developed the ultimate Unit Training Program (UTP) using Tactical Athlete Training principles. This four-stage program is your roadmap to victory, focusing on consistency, conditioning, and resilience for every brutal challenge The Unit presents.
Exclusive Video Series
From the frontline
Want to know what it really takes to complete Scratch? Former Irish Army Ranger Brian Monks has seen it all – and he’s here to help you prepare. In this video series, Brian breaks down what to expect, how to train, and the mindset you’ll need to bring to the start line. Whether you’re a returning challenger or signing up for the first time, these insights will give you a serious edge.
Why TAKE ON SCRATCH
Scratch isn’t just a test of fitness. This is a full-spectrum gut check. Designed to expose your limits and build you back stronger, Scratch is where self-reliance, resilience, and raw determination take centre stage.
Relentless Individual Pressure
This is on you. No hiding, no coasting. Every rep, every step, every obstacle is a personal reckoning – and only you can push through.
Grit Over Glamour
Forget filters. Expect dirt, weight, unpredictability, and grind. This is about showing up when no one’s watching – and finishing when most would quit.
Mental Strength Meets Tactical
Earned Confidence. Not Given.
Got a question?
No jargon. No runaround. Just straight answers. If you’re not sure about something, ask – we’re here to help.