Army Benevolent Fund announces the Robert Irvine Foundation as headline sponsor of the Cateran Yomp, a 24-hour trek of up to 54 miles in the Cairngorms
Soldiers, veterans and families from both sides of the Atlantic are set to benefit from a new three-year partnership between the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) and the Robert Irvine Foundation. The Robert Irvine Foundation, which supports US service personnel, first responders, and their families, has been announced as the headline sponsor of the ABF’s flagship challenge event, the Cateran Yomp, from 2027 to 2029.
The Cateran Yomp is one of Scotland’s toughest tests of endurance – with participants walking non-stop for 22, 36 or 54 miles over 24 hours, in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund, the Army’s national charity. Based on the infamous long-distance military training march, the event attracts hundreds of people to the Cairngorms, the UK’s largest national park, to support soldiers, veterans and their families.
World-renowned chef and restaurateur Robert Irvine, who leads the Foundation, is a veteran of the British Armed Forces and will be making his 13th visit to the Yomp in 2027. A longstanding supporter of the ABF, Robert will walk alongside 100 US veterans sponsored by the Foundation at next year’s event, which is taking place 5th – 6th June 2027. Robert is also serving again as the Executive Head Chef, a role he took up in 2026 as part of his strengthened commitment to the ABF.
Over 1,500 civilians, soldiers and veterans from the UK and around the world are expected to gather in Scotland to march along the scenic but challenging terrain of the Cateran Trail. Many will walk through the night to complete the full course, so having the right nutrition and fuel is essential.
Originally from Salisbury, Robert is well-used to “feeding an army”, having joined the Royal Navy aged 15 as a cook. The author and restauranteur previously was the host of US Food Network’s hit show Restaurant: Impossible, where he helped restaurateurs turn their businesses around. Since settling in the US, he’s remained a dedicated champion of the military in his adopted country. Most recently, Robert has been working with the US Army to revamp the food served to troops, providing them with healthy and delicious meals.
Yompers will set off at dawn on Saturday 5th June, finishing on Sunday 6th June, the anniversary of D-Day.
“The Cateran Yomp is always circled big on my calendar,” Irvine said. “The Scottish countryside is reason enough to keep coming back, but the conversations with veterans are what really stay with me.
“I’ve been going to the Yomp for many years, first as a participant, now as a sponsor with the Robert Irvine Foundation. Ultimately, this is about making an impact for our veterans, and the mental health of our brave men and women in uniform. We want to cast a spotlight on their needs because they carry burdens that most of us never know about. For one day, we carry a burden for them.”
Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer of the Army Benevolent Fund, said:
“We are delighted that Robert Irvine, and his Foundation, are strengthening their longstanding commitment to soldiers, veterans and their families through sponsoring the ABF’s flagship event, the Cateran Yomp. The support we receive from our partners and participants is vital and helps ensure that soldiers, former soldiers, and their families have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity.
“Robert and his team have tackled this event for years, and we’re honoured once again to have their strength, passion, and expertise behind this year’s challenge.”
The Cateran Yomp sponsored by Robert Irvine Foundation is now in its 16th year. Since 2011, Yomp participants and sponsors have raised over £5m for the ABF’s support for soldiers, veterans and their families.
