24 April 2007. It was the biggest and hottest London Marathon ever, but 18 of Zurich's staff ran 26.2 miles and raised over £18,000 for charity.
Staff from Zurich's offices in Bristol, Cheltenham, Manchester, Birmingham, London, Swindon and Fareham took part in the most famous marathon on earth to raise money for disadvantaged people to achieve an independent future.
The soaring temperatures made it tougher than usual. Darren Pacey from Manchester, who was Zurich’s fastest runner said "It was like running in a desert today." as he pounded in at 2 hours and 59 minutes.
(Swindon version)
Zurich's Swindon runners, Paul McCarthy completed the course in the heat wearing a Scooby Doo costume, and Chris Murphy was dressed as Shaggy - which was just what he looked like after 24 miles. Rich Keilloh ran his sixth London Marathon whilst Andy Woollon ran his fifth London Marathon to celebrate his 40th birthday. He commented "By the time you see Big Ben in the distance, you know you're going to make it and the pure adrenaline and emotion takes you over the line." He added "And going past Gordon Ramsay helps!" And Zurich's sole woman runner from Swindon was Leanne Stone who said it was just a great day
Steve Sparkes, from Swindon added "I finished in 5 hours 33 minutes, although I maintain I'd have shaved seconds off that finish time if I hadn't lined up behind a chicken and a pirate ship at the start - the things you learn as a first-timer."
(Whiteley version)
Zurich's Whiteley runners were Jamie Drewett, Phil Ost, Rob Taylor and Sarah Seton. This was Jamie Drewett's second Marathon. He said "I had a cracking day. My body is saying never again, especially my sore Achilles, but I'm sure I will want to be part of it again." He added "I achieved one of my goals by beating Gordon Ramsay this year and I’m proud of that."
The money will go to Zurich's Community Trust, which is a registered charity funded by pre-tax profits from Zurich and donations from Zurich’s staff in the UK.
Pam Webb, Head of Zurich's Community Trust said: “It was an amazing event to watch and we're delighted that the hours of training and dedication paid off for our runners. The money raised by our runners is matched by Zurich's Community Trust and will be awarded to local charities across the UK around Zurich’s main office locations making a huge difference to the lives of disadvantaged people."
For further information, please contact:
Kate Hodges, Communications Manager, Zurich Community Trust
Tel: 01793 503711 / 07708 269653
Notes to Editors:
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Zurich Community Trust (UK) Limited is a registered charity funded by pre-tax profits from Zurich and donations from Zurich’s staff. It provides an umbrella for all Zurich’s community involvement in the UK.
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By giving time, money and skills donated from Zurich and its employees in the UK we help disadvantaged people to achieve independence.
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Zurich Community Trust Programmes create sustainable change through long-term funding and active employee involvement. The Trust works closely with innovative partners to make significant impact on the lives of disadvantaged people in the UK and overseas. These programmes tackle drug misuse in families, social exclusion and the most vulnerable older people’s issues. In addition, there is a programme in southern India sharing Zurich business skills to help build capacity of Indian NGO’s. Mental Health and Families is the latest programme as other programmes come to their natural end.
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Zurich Community Trust manages and matches Zurich employees' and financial advisers' £1 million donations, 46,000 hours of volunteering including around 200 team challenges involving 1,600 staff.
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About the 2007 Flora London Marathon
A record 36,396 people started the Marathon in Blackheath, London - the biggest ever field since the London Marathon began 27 years ago in 1981.
By 6.45 pm, 35,674 runners had crossed the finish in the Mall, beating the previous record by over 400 people.
As many as 125,000 people originally applied to run in this year’s race, the second highest number of applicants ever, and 49,963 applications were accepted. Nearly 37,000 people had registered by 5.00pm on Saturday.
About Zurich
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 55,000 people serving customers in more than 120 countries.
