RAF 100 Baton Relay Touches Down on the Isle of Wight
The RAF 100 Baton Relay brought a buzz to the Isle of Wight as it continues its unique journey marking 100 years of the Royal Air Force. But this isn’t your average relay race. The baton carriers only get to know their start and end points – the rest of the route is for them to discover. It’s an orienteering challenge wrapped in tradition.
A Mixed Bunch Carrying the Baton
The baton is being passed between a diverse crew: RAF personnel, cadets, veterans, and members of the RAF’s many sporting clubs. Each participant adds a new chapter to the epic 100-day trek.
Epic Modes of Transport
Forget just running with the baton — this convoy is going all out. The RAF Rowing Club will take to the River Thames by boat. Daredevils from the RAF Falcons will parachute the baton from the sky. Elsewhere, it’ll be ridden on horseback and even power kited over the windswept fields of Benbecula.
Isle of Wight School Visits by Hovercraft
This morning, the baton and willing volunteers made a splash arriving on the Isle of Wight by hovercraft. They visited two local schools, sharing the RAF’s story and legacy with the next generation.
The Journey So Far and Where It’s Headed
The relay began its journey at the Royal Courts of Justice on 1 April 2018. It’s set to finish 100 days later, on 10 July, with a grand finale at Horseguards Parade in London. A century of RAF pride, carried forward one baton handover at a time.
