YOMPING? It’s a word some soldiers will recognise. It means running full-pelt carrying a complete Army pack, weapon, water and munitions.

Two Australian Country Choice’s employees will be almost-yomping when they tackle June’s Brisbane half-marathon each carrying 20kg loads and water.

ACC’s data integration manager Neil Liddle and IT service delivery manager Steve Jorgensen will be seeking to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, Queensland.

Are they mad? Possibly yes.

Neil served as a Royal Engineer for 12 years until 2013. He explained: “This half-marathon attempt is in line with the old standard British Army combat fitness test which requires you to complete eight miles in two hours with a 20kg weight, plus water, weapon and ammo. We are not going to be carrying any guns, but we will have the weight, and we will be attempting around 12.4 miles in under 3 hours and 50 minutes.”

He made the decision after his doctor had recommended he undertake fitness training that maintained strength. “Yomping made sense to me. I enjoyed yomping … to a degree,” he said.

“And the half-marathon commitment keeps me honest. I mentioned it to my colleague Steve and, because he is also insane, he decided to join me. We want to raise as much cash as possible for the RFDS. It’s two middle-aged men attempting something stupid to elicit donations for charity, which is a win-win.”

The pair are hoping others will help them shoulder the load. You can donate via their online fundraising page: https://bmf26.grassrootz.com/…/australian…/donate

Yomping … you heard it here first!