The exhibitions industry is racing to help those in need by running for a good cause. Set for June 8-9 for a 4 p.m. start in the U.K. (11 a.m. EDT), the Event Industry Backyard Ultra will feature marathon enthusiast and Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie, who will be running a 5K race every hour for a straight 24 hours in an effort to raise funds for two industry charities and a global charity supporting India, while being livestreamed across multiple platforms.
To help this important effort, please visit Event Industry Backyard Ultra for donations and ways to join in and help out.
Participating in what BBC Sport describes as “the toughest, weirdest race you’ve never heard of,” Emslie must consecutively run a 5K (3.1 mile) distance in less than one hour. After completing each lap, he will use any remaining time within that hour to recover for the next round.
The event will concurrently livestream industry panel sessions covering hot-button topics from around the world. There will be regular check-ins with Emslie and other event industry runners who will be joining him from across the globe, including the United States, Mexico, the Middle East and China.
U.K.-based Roger Black, silver medallist in the 400-metre sprint at both the Olympic Games and World Championships, and UK-based singer, actress and TV personality Suzanne Shaw also will be joining in the challenge. Running from the Raccoon Event’s HQ office in Surrey and supported by Guildford’s Running Mayor Mike Seaman and his team at the National Running Show, the goal of the run is to raise $24,000 for the Meetings Industry Fund, Indian Red Cross Society and EventWell.
“The charities we have chosen will help people not only impacted in the events industry, but also assist with efforts to combat the devastating COVID surge in India,” said Emslie, who is spearheading this effort. “I hope the Event Industry Backyard Ultra can continue to raise awareness and money to build upon the great work that has already been done. I would like to thank everyone for their support for what I hope will be a very memorable day.”
See www.24hour5krun.com for more details on how to participate or donate.