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Have you tried?: The Cateran Yomp

Written by Fiona

February 24 2018

My recent Sunday Mail column featured The Cateran Yomp. There is a discount on the full price if you enter now for the long-distance charity hike. Read the pdf or see the full article below.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity: The Cateran Yomp 2018

What is it: The Cateran Yomp is a long-distance hike over the weekend of June 9 to 10.

There is a choice of three routes for teams of three to six people, including the 54-mile gold, the 36-mile silver and the 22-mile bronze.

All routes start in the town of Blairgowrie and follow the waymarked Cateran Trail through Perthshire and Angus,

Teams have up to 24 hours to finish their chosen distance.

The event raises funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which supports soldiers, veterans and their families.

Tell me more: The event finds its roots in the military, where “yomp” is the term for a long-distance march.

Whether you choose to walk, speed-hike or yomp, it’s a serious physical undertaking to sign up for the full 54 miles.

However, if you train properly and build up the mileage over the next few months, you’ll discover the satisfaction of crossing the finish line.

Leslie Binns is an ex-serviceman who was blinded in one eye during a military operation.

He has completed many tough races, including The Cateran Yomp in 2017 just days after returning from an Everest summit attempt.

He said: “It’s surprising what you can do if you are properly prepared both physically and mentally.

“I have seen it happen so many times that people rise to a challenge and really go for it on the day.

“I know, too, from personal experience the huge sense of elation you get on the finish line of a tough race.

“You might say you will never do the same again, but 10 minutes later you have changed your mind and you’ve signed up to the next big event.”

Anything else to know?: Many people report that they like the motivation of raising funds for ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity.

The Yomp exists to raise money to support soldiers, veterans and their families.

Each participant is asked to commit to raising £400 in sponsorship.

There are various incentives to help people achieve fund-raising targets:

  • Raise £500 and you will receive a Cateran Yomp water bottle.
  • Raise £800 for an exclusive Cateran Yomp satchel.
  • In addition, the first 20 yompers to raise £800 will secure a VIP start and a special Yomp hoody.

Over seven years, the Cateran Yomp has raised almost £3million.

Training tips

You should plan ahead by around three month or more for the Cateran Yomp.

  • Get into the habit of walking everywhere that you can, such as to work, to go to the shops of to see friends.
  • Aim to exercise at least four times a week and add in other sports to provide variety to your training, while still building up your fitness
  • Aim to complete increasingly longer walks at weekends on varied terrain
  • Find a training partner so that you have someone to motivate you and make plans with.
  • Become familiar with your kit, including walking bots, backpack, poles and waterproof clothing.
  • Make sure you have completed your maximum training distance by the end of May to allow two weeks of lighter training for the event.
  • As you train, think about how you will fundraise.

Cost: Standard registration is £99 per person (£80pp military or ex-military).

There is an early bird offer of £80 and £60, respectively before February 28, 2018. 

The fee covers the whole weekend experience, including camping, food, drink, a few surprises and activities along the route.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a team, any individuals or pairs will be grouped together with individuals of similar abilities

Contact: www.soldierscharity.org/events/the-cateran-yomp/#the-yomp

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