UBC Steps Up the Fundraising Pace by Entering Cotswolds 24-Hour Challenge

UBC is planning to double its fundraising efforts for UK children's charity KidsOut by entering the Cotswolds 24-hour Race in July 2017. 

UBC has been supporting UK children's charity, KidsOut since March 2016. During that time the company has raised a total of £1,200 across its eight business centres and donated over 200 gifts as part of the Christmas Giving Tree campaign.  In 2017, UBC is continuing its support of KidsOut and has pledged to more than double its fundraising target to £3,000.

To reach this target, UBC has stepped up the pace by entering a team for the Cotswolds 24-hour Race in July 2017. This round-the-clock relay running challenge takes place on 22nd and 23rd July at the historic Bathurst Estate, located a short distance from UBC's Cirencester Business Centre.

UBC Cirencester's running team preparing for the Cotswolds 24 Hour Race

Image L-R: Andy Little from Mokveld, Jenna Paynter from UBC, Paul Lavender from Mokveld, Sullivan Fountain from Keltie and Kristell Weston from Screen 4.

The race is run over an off-road 9km mixed course including forest trails and paths. The aim is to complete as many laps of the course as possible within 24 hours, and the team who has completed the most laps within the 24-hour period wins. This is not only a test of speed, fitness and endurance; it also requires fantastic teamwork and plenty of dedication from participants.

"Team UBC will be swapping our office suits for running shorts and going all-out to win the Cotswolds 24-hour Race," said Jane Erasmus, Sales & Marketing Director at UBC. "It's not that we're competitive or anything... we just want to raise as much money as possible in support of KidsOut!"

The team comprises a mix of UBC staff and clients from UBC's Cirencester Business Centre.

"We're hoping to raise at least £1,000 for KidsOut during this event alone," Jane added. "We'll be holding plenty of monthly fundraising events in addition to this one, so by the end of 2017 we plan to more than double last year's fundraising total."

Jenna Paynter, Business Centre Manager at Cirencester, has been in training with a number of workspace clients.

"We are all getting motivated here in Cirencester!" she said. "We have a mix of abilities, so mid-way through training we will determine how many laps each person will do and how long it will take, which will allow us to organise a running schedule for the day.

"So it’s all systems go! My personal aim is to run two 9k laps - one in the day and one in the dark! We are all looking forward to the event, I am sure will be a great weekend full of sweat and laughs!"

The UBC team consists of Andy Little from Mokveld, Jenna Paynter from UBC, Paul Lavender from Mokveld, Sullivan Fountain from Keltie and Kristell Weston from Screen 4 (shown in the photograph above) alongside Will Collins from Wilkinson Partners, and Jane Erasmus and Chris Price from UBC.

In addition to donations, the team are currently seeking sponsorship for running vests. Any suppliers local to Cirencester or the Cotswolds who would like to sponsor or donate running gear are urged to contact Jenna at Jenna.Paynter@ubcuk.com.
 
Jane, who is one of the team running for UBC, added: "KidsOut is a fantastic charity that works tirelessly to provide disadvantaged children across the UK with positive experiences and happy memories. Please show your support by giving generously."

Donations can be made online via UBC's Charity Choice page at www.charitychoice.co.uk/fundraiser/ubcuk/cotswold-24-hour-race.