“The Run to the Beat Half Marathon took place on Sunday 8th September but officially it started on the Saturday, as the team had to pick up their race numbers the evening before and only just made it in time!

This year the Four Pillars Team who took part in the race were; Katherine Swingler (Human Resources Director), Liz Heneghan (Human Resources Manager – Tortworth Court), Alistair Graham (Business Manager – Tortworth Court), Craig Coley (Guest Relations Manager – Tortworth Court), Kerry Lewis (Conference and Events Co-ordinator – Oxford Abingdon), Ainsley Donald (Event Co-ordinator – Tortworth Court) Vincent Fazio-Seri (F&B Assistant – Restaurant) & Adam Carroll (Assistant Conference & Banqueting Manager).

The race is London’s biggest half marathon and starts and ends at Greenwich Park… with Live Music played out during the event by top DJ’s. This year due to many reasons which include injuries, moving house and adverse weather, the team didn’t feel quite as well prepared as last year. That said; they all did an amazing job getting round the course and certainly stood out in their fancy dress, which was sported from the hotel reception, all the way around the route and back to the hotel again! They even had compliments on the CRY-inspired bright red tutu’s and heart boppers at mile 9! There was amazing support around the course, which really helped to keep everyone going along and with the many music stages, it kept spirits high. Jessie J was playing on the stage as some of the team arrived back into Greenwich Park, so there was a great atmosphere with everyone taking in the fantastic music and enjoying that the race was over! Not very popular was the HUGE hill the organisers snuck into mile 12 which everyone agreed was very mean!

Congratulations also to Sonata Leonaviciute (Executive Head Housekeeper – Oxford Spires) who ran in the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday 15th September. We think she looks very proud with her medal and so she should be! Our runners are pleased to announce that they have raised £593.75 (including Gift Aid) in online donations so far, we will update you as the figure changes. Well done to all of our runners and thank you for the time and effort you put into your fundraising for CRY. Next year just so you know, they have said next year it is bikes, no more half marathons!”

Katherine Swingler
Human Resources Director
Four Pillars Hotels Central Support Office

For more information on Four Pillar’s support of CRY in 2013 visit:

 http://www.c-r-y.org.uk/four-pillars-hotels-ltd-support-cry