Stroud postman set for gruelling 54-mile hike

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/n ... mile_hike/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A POSTMAN from Stroud will attempt to conquer a gruelling 54-mile hike this year to raise money for ABF The Soldiers Charity.

Kevin Cooke, who will take on the Cateran Yomp, is using his daily 8-mile delivery route as part of his training for the challenge.

The long-distance march will take place from June 9 to 10.

He competed in last year’s event and managed an impressive time of 19 hours to come 67th out of nearly 800 participants.

This year Kevin would like to smash his personal best and make the top 50 with a time of 17 hours or less.


The Cateran Yomp is classed as the biggest and toughest event of this type in part due to the rough mountainous terrain.

Based around the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland, there are three difficulty levels for yompers to tackle, bronze 22 miles, silver 36 miles and gold 54 miles.

The distances must be completed within a 24 hour time limit.


After serving for 9 years in the Coldstream Guards, Kevin who suffers from PTSD and type 1 diabetes found that being outdoors was a great way to stay positive.

“It’s not the mountain we battle, it’s ourselves” is a statement that inspires Kevin to keep pushing himself to the limit when taking on challenges like the yomp.

Kevin said: "I’m not only doing the Cateran Yomp to raise awareness for PTSD but also for type 1 diabetes sufferers.

“ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a cause close to my heart, I don’t have a goal of how much I am looking to raise as I know any amount is of benefit.

“I just want to raise awareness for them and to inspire others to get outdoors,” added Kevin.

For more information on the Cateran Yomp please visit soldierscharity.org/events/the-cateran-yomp

[plodplodplod]

who says postmen just walk eh?

[BELIAL]

"8 mile delivery route" where please where.