Based at 160th (Welsh) Brigade, Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Benjamin Brookman will run a 100-mile (161km) point-to-point ultra along the Southwest Coast Path on 23 January 2026; aiming to finish inside 24 hours to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

WO2 Brookman of the 160th (Welsh) Brigade is preparing to tackle one of the UK’s toughest winter ultras: the Arc of Attrition, to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity (the Army Benevolent Fund). The Arc of Attrition is a 100-mile, point-to-point race along the exposed and dramatic sections of the Southwest Coast Path in Cornwall; the 2026 event runs from 22–25 January and attracts top trail runners from across the country.

Brookman will set out on the Arc 100 course, which runs from Coverack to Porthtowan and covers 100 miles with more than 5300 metres of ascent. The route takes in notorious coastal landmarks, from Lizard Point to Land’s End and is raced in winter conditions, where wind, mud and navigation add to the physical test.

“This is more than a race, it’s a test of endurance, mindset and resilience,” said Brookman. “I’m running to give back to the Army family and the people who support our soldiers and veterans every day.”

Brookman completed the race last year, finishing in 78th place out of 516 runners and securing third place in his age category. In harsh conditions 253 participants completed the race, while 263 did not finish.

This extraordinary result qualified Brookman to take part in one of the eight races at the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, final of the UTMB World Series.

The Army Benevolent Fund, which Brookman is raising money for, is the national charity of the British Army, providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families.

To support The Army Benevolent Fund, go to: https://armybenevolentfund.org