YTL Hotels’ The Glasshouse, Edinburgh, in partnership with national charity Crisis, is launching a fundraising run to end homelessness in Scotland. The Race to End Homelessness: Calton Hill Edinburgh will give 500 people the chance to run or walk the 5k or 10k route through the city, ending with a dramatic climb up Calton Hill before crossing the finish line at The Glasshouse, with post-race celebrations on the hotel’s two-acre rooftop garden. Sponsored by YTL Hotels, the event will be held on Sunday 15th March 2020 and will raise vital awareness and funds to end homelessness in Scotland.
The Race to End Homelessness is the first of its kind in Scotland, building on the success of Crisis’ Square Mile Run series in London, which has raised more than £2.5 million over 26 years. YTL Hotels and The Glasshouse chose to sponsor the event because of the hotel’s historical connection to helping those in need. The Glasshouse was one of the altruistic Lady Glenorchy’s many ‘free churches for the less wealthy’ offering shelter to people affected by homelessness. Today, the hotel’s gothic façade remains as a reminder of the chapel constructed in 1846.
Event Details
The Race to End Homelessness: Calton Hill Edinburgh will set off from outside Scottish Parliament, with 10k participants heading out at 9.25am, closely followed by those taking on the 5k race at 9.45am. The scenic route will take competitors along Abbeyhill to Regent Road Park with the first chance to refuel at one of several water stops.
Those taking on the 10k race will run alongside St Margaret’s Loch and around Holyrood Park, offering a glimpse of Scotland’s stunning highland landscape. The route also includes the edge of the Salisbury Crags and takes runners around the foot of Edinburgh’s iconic Arthur’s Seat.
All contenders will near the end of the race with a climb up Calton Hill, one of Scotland’s first public parks. Sitting 100 meters above sea level, the challenging ascent will be well worth it, as panoramic views over the city await at the top. From here, runners will be on the final sprint to the finish line at The Glasshouse, beside the city’s Playhouse on Greenside Place, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “We’re delighted to be launching the first Race to End Homelessness in Edinburgh. The event promises to be lots of fun for everyone taking part, all the while raising much-needed funds to ensure that we can achieve our goal to end homelessness. So get on your running shoes and sign up for what will be a brilliant event!”
Post-run Celebrations & Runner’s Packages at The Glasshouse
Located at the finish line, The Glasshouse is the ideal place to stay for those taking part in The Race to End Homelessness: Calton Hill Edinburgh. The hotel team will be hand to help runners get a winning start in the race, with special packages* for stays on 14th and 15th March 2020, including race entry, a carb-loaded dinner and hearty pre-race breakfast. Whether guests are looking to achieve a personal best, run in a ridiculous costume to raise record-breaking amounts for Crisis, or simply just get around the course, The Glasshouse ensures all you have to do is get over the finish line and they will pick up the pieces.
The Glasshouse is part of YTL Hotels, a company passionate about working with and supporting the local communities in which it operates. As the brand has expanded its UK portfolio significantly in recent years the team were eager to grow philanthropic efforts in line with this. YTL Hotels is no stranger to hosting challenges and sporting events. At the group’s Pangkor Laut Resort in Malaysia, the annual Chapman’s Challenge sees guests tackle a 3.8km run around the island and humidity-filled rainforest, followed by a 1km swim in the sea of Emerald Bay. The annual race is an ode to the spirit and tenacity of British Colonel, Spencer Chapman, who made his escape from the occupying Japanese army after three years in hiding by crossing enemy lines and swimming across Emerald Bay to safety.
The Glasshouse & Crisis Launch The Race to End Homelessness: Calton Hill Edinburgh
