A-Rosa River Cruises and Fred Holidays have partnered with charity Reuben’s Retreat to offer travel industry professionals the chance to tackle an ultra-marathon – and raise hundreds of pounds in donations.
Two free places are available for the Race to the Stones, a two-day 100km challenge in July.
It features a 50km run (or walk) each day with overnight camping in between. There is the option to do just one day, if preferred.
Race to the Stones attracts 3,000 entrants from around the world who follow Britain’s oldest footpath to the 5,000-year-old Unesco-listed ancient stone circle at Avebury in Wiltshire.
The two chosen runners will join the ‘Reuben’s Racers’ team which includes A-Rosa’s UK and Ireland managing director, Lucia Rowe; Tricia Birmingham, product director at Fred Holidays; Lisa McAuley, director at Hays Travel; Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, sales and marketing director at Barrhead Travel and her husband Lee; former travel industry professional Jane Atkins and her husband Neil; and travel journalist Jeannine Williamson.
Both winners must fundraise a minimum of £700 for Reuben’s Retreat, the Derbyshire-based charity that supports families who have suffered the loss of a child or have a child living with medical complexities.
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The charity was founded by Nicola Graham, supported by her husband Mike Graham, following the death of their youngest son Reuben, at the age of 23 months, from a rare and aggressive brain tumour. Both Nicola and Mike worked in the travel industry for many years.
The two winners will have support from professional lifestyle and ultra-running coach Rory Coleman. The places also include race registration, with meals, camping and a pre-race one-night hotel stay with car parking if needed.
Rowe said: “Our team will join less than 1% of the population to complete the standard ultra-marathon distance of 50km, and some will even double that the very next day as they take on the full 100km race.
“Whatever their choice, it will be an incredible achievement for everyone involved.
“Life is an adventure and we are very lucky to work in the best industry in the world, being part of a family that unites us and gives us support.
“We want to offer two agents or people who work in our industry the chance to inspire and change their lives, and the lives of others, by taking part in this amazing journey.”
To enter, professionals working in travel must share their details and briefly explain why they deserve one of the two places, including why they want to undertake the challenge and how they think it will change their lives.
The two places will be selected from all the entries by Lucia Rowe, Tricia Birmingham and Nicola Graham. Entries must be submitted by April 7 to Nicola Graham at Mummy@reubensretreat.org
Pictured: Lucia Rowe completing the 2023 Race to the Stones.