On Thursday 8 October 2026, three members of the Fijian Royal Signals Association Branch are stepping up to take on one of the most brutal tests of endurance you’ll see this year.
They will run 56km, row 56km, and cycle 56km, a massive total of 168km, all smashed within a tight eight-hour window at the Blandford Garrison Gym.
The number 56 is no accident; this year marks the 56th Fiji Day, a major milestone celebrated by Fijians across the globe. To mark it, the team decided to push themselves to the absolute limit. Their challenge honours the deep, historic ties between Fiji and the UK, aimed at strengthening the unique bond that holds our military community together, all while raising vital funds for the Royal Signals Charity.
Leading the charge is Cpl Joe Nalewabau (3 Sqn Bx Tp), joined by LCpl Kolaia Nalewabau (BGSU QM), and Sgt Joseph Bibi (5 Sqn PSD) keeping the team on track.
Between them, they’ll be transitioning from running shoes to rowing handles to bike saddles. Anyone who has ever done a brutal session on the rower after a long run knows exactly when the legs and lungs start screaming. These three will be fighting through that pain barrier for hours.
The pain kicks off from 0900 to 1600hrs at Blandford Garrison Gym. If you’re on camp or in the area, get down there, show your face, and make some noise. A bit of classic military banter and a loud cheer might be the exact fuel they need to get through the final hard yards.
We can’t run, row, or ride a single click for them, but we can make every one of those 168 kilometres count. Dig deep and show them what the community is about. Whether it’s the price of a pint, a coffee, or a more generous donation, let’s show these three tired soldiers that their network has their back and that the graft is worth it.
Support the team right now at their Just Giving page and help them smash the finish line.
