Castle Water, the UK’s largest independent water retailer, is returning to the Cateran Yomp as the main water sponsor for the sixth year running.
The Cateran Yomp is an annual endurance charity event that sees entrants from all over the world take on the gruelling 54-mile hike across the Cairngorm Mountain Range. Entrants are encouraged to raise funds for The Army Benevolent Fund, formerly known as ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
The Army Benevolent Fund is the national charity of the British Army. Since 1944, it has provided a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need. In last year’s Cateran Yomp, over £300,000 was raised to provide support in areas such as education, independent living for elderly veterans, housing, employability and mental wellbeing. For more information about the Army Benevolent Fund, visit their website here.
This year’s event is to be held on 8th and 9th of June and will see entrants begin their hike from Bogles Field in Blairgowrie in Perthshire, Scotland, with Bronze entrants finishing at Kirkton of Glenisla, Silver entrants continuing on to finish at the Spittal of Glenshee, and Gold participants completing the circular route to finish back in Blairgowrie.
With head offices based Blairgowrie, Castle Water is one of the region’s largest employers, and is committed to supporting the local community. For the sixth year, Castle Water is sponsoring the Cateran Yomp by providing fresh drinking water stations throughout the 54-mile route, including the main event hub at Bogles Field, Blairgowrie. In addition to the fresh drinking water, the company is providing water for the showers. The water stops and showers ensure all participants, volunteers and employees stayed refreshed and hydrated during the event, all while reducing the need for unnecessary single-use plastic waste.
Castle Water’s Disconnection Quality Assurance Leader, Kevin McIntyre, is taking on the Gold Level Route for the third year in a row. In 2022, Kevin completed the Cateran Yomp in 21 hours and 34 minutes, finishing in joint 171st place. Last year, Kevin beat his time by almost 4 hours, completing the Yomp in just 17 hours and 26 minutes and finishing in 35th place.
Kevin is self-fundraising to support the Army Benevolent Fund. For self-funded registration, The Cateran Yomp requires a minimum of £450 of funds raised to take part in the challenge. At the time this article was published, Kevin has raised an impressive £948. which will go towards supporting soldiers, veterans and their families throughout their lives. You can help support Kevin’s fundraising efforts by donating here.