The Battle of the Badges endurance competition returns on Sunday 17 May 2026, once again bringing together teams from Police, Fire, Ambulance, NHS, and the Military for a day built around teamwork, physical challenge, and shared purpose. Now in its fourth year, the event has established itself as a valued opportunity for colleagues across the emergency‑services community to step away from the pressures of daily operational life and take part in something positive, energetic, and unifying.

This year’s competition will be held at Hustle in Wymondham (NR18 9AQ), with the start time to be confirmed, though teams should expect the day to begin from around 1030. The event remains open to a wide range of participants, including serving frontline staff, support staff, volunteers, and retired personnel. Entry is set at £80 per team of four, and teams are encouraged to match their ticket price with sponsorship to maximise the benefit to this year’s chosen charity.

All profits from the 2026 event will go directly to The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC), which provides essential physical, psychological, and financial support to ambulance personnel across the UK. Donations can be made through the event’s JustGiving page at:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/battleofthebadgesxtheambulancestaffcharity

The competition itself follows a familiar and well‑tested format. Teams will complete a series of running intervals alongside functional fitness stations, including sled pushes, BikeErg and SkiErg efforts, burpees to plate, synchronised movements, rowing distances, dummy drags, and wall balls, before finishing with a short sprint to the line. Each station has clear standards and weight categories, ensuring fairness and consistency across all teams. The course is designed to be demanding but achievable, allowing participants of varying fitness levels to contribute meaningfully to their team’s performance.

Although the event is physically challenging, its purpose extends beyond competition. Previous years have demonstrated how effectively it strengthens relationships between services, boosts morale, and provides a constructive outlet for the camaraderie that underpins emergency‑services culture. For those who have not taken part before, a video from a previous event is available via the organiser’s link, offering a helpful sense of the atmosphere and flow of the day. PFEW’s Wellbeing Lead Belinda Goodwin said “Events like Battle of the Badges are incredibly important for policing. They give officers and staff the chance to step away from the pressures of the job, reconnect with colleagues, and take part in something that strengthens both physical and mental wellbeing. Policing is demanding, and opportunities to come together with other emergency services in a positive, supportive environment make a real difference. This event not only builds camaraderie, but also reminds us of the shared purpose that underpins all our roles. Supporting a charity like TASC makes it even more meaningful, and I’m proud to see so many of our people getting involved.”

Teams wishing to enter can purchase tickets through the Stripe link at:

https://buy.stripe.com/cNi5kE8A2fnO2qd8Kw6EU0w

With preparations now underway, Battle of the Badges 2026 promises to be another successful and meaningful occasion. A day that brings colleagues together, supports a vital charity, and showcases the resilience and teamwork that define the emergency services at their best.