Nearly 1,100 soldiers, veterans and civilians from across the globe braved the Perthshire hills on 6th June to take on the the Cateran Yomp, a gruelling 24-hour hike to support soldiers, veterans and their families. The annual event, now in its 15th year, raises vital funds for the ABF, and was our biggest yet.
The Cateran Yomp is one of Scotland’s toughest tests of endurance – with participants walking non-stop for 22 (bronze), 36 (silver) or 54 miles (gold) over 24 hours to support soldiers, veterans and their families. Based on the infamous long-distance military training march, the Yomp attracts people of all ages, this year ranging from 17 to 77, to trek the glens and foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains.
Starting first thing on Saturday 6th June – the anniversary of D-Day – and ending in the early hours of Sunday morning, participants faced often rainy conditions as they trekked the historic Cateran Trail.
More than 350 serving personnel – the highest number yet – took part. Serving soldiers in teams of four that completed 54 miles in under 24 hours earned the Gold Distinction Award, and 18 teams achieved this.
Marching side by side with soldiers, civilians and veterans from all over the UK were international participants from as far afield as Ukraine, the Netherlands, Australia and Canada. We were also delighted to be joined by more than 100 US veterans, led by Anglo-American restauranteur and chef, and former Royal Navy cook, Robert Irvine. Robert also lent his expertise to the food fuelling the walkers, as the event’s Executive Head Chef, as part of a new partnership with the ABF.
Rallying the troops before they set off was ABF ambassador and decorated Army veteran, George Pas, whose military career was cut short by a serious road traffic accident that left him paralysed from the chest down, and who was helped by the ABF to regain his independence.
George also joined the walkers on part of the route in his all-terrain wheelchair to keep them motivated, saying, “The ABF’s support helped give my kids their dad back, so I’m honoured to be ambassador at this incredible event where hundreds of people have taken on the challenge of a lifetime for a charity which is close to my heart.”
Since 2011, Yomp participants and sponsors have raised over £6m for the ABF.
We offer our sincere thanks to our many volunteers, support teams and local partners including the Perth Kinross and Countryside Trust; and our sponsors, Arnold Clark and Castle Water; as well as the many companies that donated gifts in kind for the event. Staff from event sponsors Arnold Clark and Castlewater also took part.
Reflecting on an extraordinary weekend, Major General Tim Hyams CB OBE, Chief Executive of the ABF, commented:
“At this year’s Cateran Yomp, nearly 1,100 people, including around 350 serving soldiers, crossed the start line to walk or run for up to 54 miles in 24 hours across the Cairngorms.
“The Army Benevolent Fund relies on the generosity of our supporters to ensure that soldiers, former soldiers, and their families have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity. The support we receive from individual participants, and the organisations that not only sponsor the Yomp but also encourage their staff to take part, is vital. I am extremely grateful to every single participant; all of whom have demonstrated teamwork as well as mental and physical resilience. Every single step helps our mission: to be there for soldiers, for life.”
Share your achievements:
If you walked this year’s Yomp, let your friends and family know by using a Cateran Yomp profile frame on a range of social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
If you would like to join us for the Cateran Yomp next year, registration is already open! Sign up today.