Vertical rush at Tower 42
If nothing else, the promise of a pancake breakfast will get people moving.
Proof came in the form of a massive charge of bodies to the heights of Tower 42, EC2, for a taste of Jason Atherton’s latest offering. The British chef had just announced that he would open his newest eatery, City Social, in the lofty environs of the London tower often referred to as the capital’s original skyscraper.
And while the pancakes were reportedly good, it was actually a far more charitable cause that drove 1,300 people to race up the 920 steps of Tower 42 on 4 March: Vertical Rush, the annual event which raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for Shelter.
Teams from City firms including Berkeley Group and Fujitsu were out in force, striding alongside Duncan James and Lee Ryan from the boy band Blue – the former of the two reaching the apex in eight minutes and 31 seconds – a boastworthy 41 seconds ahead of his bandmate.
Vertical Rush 2014 was the sixth and biggest fundraising climb in Shelter’s 47-year history. To date, 4,500 climbers have taken part, raising more than £1.2m for the housing and homelessness charity.
Barry Rushmer, general manager of Tower 42, said: “We are delighted to have hosted Vertical Rush in aid of Shelter for the sixth year in a row. It is the biggest stair-climbing event in the capital’s calendar and, once again, we have been amazed by the support of all the runners. We would like to pass on our thanks to all of the participants for their efforts. I encourage everyone to dig deep and help Shelter reach its fundraising target.”
Register for next year’s event – and get an early bird discount at www.shelter.org.uk/verticalrush
The ride of your life
The inaugural charity race at last year’s Ascot Property Race Day saw industry professionals bolt out of the gates in a picture pulsating with adrenalin and excitement, as friends and colleagues hedged their bets.
It was too good not to do again, so now the call is officially out for 12 amateurs to race a straight mile in one of the biggest events on the property calendar.
There are some rules: you need a horse, you must be an amateur rider, you will probably need to lose weight, and you will need to raise at least £5,000 for the event’s official charities, including Well Child, Land Aid, Wherever the Need, Project Hope and Hope and Homes.
Are you brave enough?
Property Race Day sees some 1,000 property professionals descend on Ascot’s hallowed turf for a boozy lunch, a flutter or two, networking and general hijinks. Last year it raised more than £200,000.
For more information on the event, visit http://thepropertyraceday.co.uk or e-mail graham.triefus@gmail.com
Agent saddles up charity cycling event
Because there will never be enough cycling events in the world for property’s Lycra lovers, a top UK agent is launching a new knockout sportive for the summer.
Details at this stage are under wraps, but EG can reveal the ride is for all kinds of pedal pushers, from the seasoned to the inexperienced, and there will be rides of varying lengths to suit different abilities.
The routes will take in some of England’s most exquisite countryside, and since the emphasis is on participation rather than winning (though we all know people in this industry who just won’t be able to help themselves) there will be plenty of time to take in the surroundings.
Importantly, the date to save in your diary is 10 July, and like every good property event, charity will be the winner.
Keep an eye on Estates Gazette over the coming weeks for more information. In the meantime, organisers ask simply that you get excited about what promises to be a great day out in aid of a fantastic cause.
