Opportunity for businesses to learn from Commonwealth Games medallist Robbie Simpson

22 June 2018

Commonwealth Games marathon hero Robbie Simpson will give an exclusive training session to one lucky company taking part in the Business Challenge at this year’s Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run, which takes place on Sunday 26th August.

Every business which signs up for the event before midnight on Friday 6th July will be entered into a prize draw to win a personalised training, Q&A and advice session with the Banchory-based athlete.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for Business Challenge team members to pick up valuable hints and tips on how to prepare for the event and to be inspired by one of the country’s best distance runners.

Simpson, winner of the inaugural Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run half marathon last year, produced an outstanding performance in the searing heat of Australia’s Gold Coast to win an unexpected but richly deserved bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games marathon in April.

He will fly back from his training base in Switzerland to share his knowledge with the lucky winners at the exclusive event to be held at Aberdeen Sports Village.

Simpson said: “I am delighted to be able to share my knowledge and experience, and to offer training advice to runners in the Business Challenge. People are taking part in the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run for so many different reasons and it is fantastic to see them setting their own goals and targets. If I can help, even in a small way, to motivate them and point them in the right direction, then I will be pleased.

“Getting involved in the Business Challenge is a great way for businesses to encourage employees to improve their health and fitness and to bring everyone together for an event like this is a fantastic team-building exercise.

“I am looking forward to hosting a training session and question-and answer session with the winning team in the Business Challenge lucky draw later in the summer. I enjoy getting involved with runners of all levels of experience and sharing ideas on how to prepare for races. It should be a fun occasion.”

Businesses who took part in the Challenge last year were full of praise for the event which offered a chance for work colleagues to share in the excitement of the occasion while taking the opportunity to get fit and help others by raising funds for charity.

Andy Kite, Marketing Manager, Aberdeen Performing Arts, said: “I took part in the Simplyhealth Great Run Aberdeen half marathon primarily as I get a lot out of running and it was good to see a new event come to the city.

“It was also a chance to get involved from a work point of view and form a team with colleagues that we could use for fundraising as part of an initiative to restore one of our venues, the Music Hall. It was a great event and gave us the chance to support a cause we’re all working hard towards.”

And Chris Scott, Communications and Development Executive for Scarf, an Aberdeen-based social enterprise, added: “There was real excitement on the day of the race. The fine weather helped and it was great to see such a buzz around the city with so many people taking part.

“We had novice and seasoned runners involved but the run represents a challenge at all levels of experience. Whether the goal was a personal best or simply getting over the line it was a brilliant environment to race in; all of Scarf’s participants had fun and took pride in their achievements on the day.”

The Business Challenge is available in the half marathon and 10k distances and companies of all sizes are encouraged to sign up and battle it out on Union Street this summer.

Companies can enter male, female or mixed teams to compete for the trophy awarded to the fastest small, medium and large businesses across the categories, with the added bonus of encouraging the team members to stay fit and healthy, as well as the opportunity to raise money for local charities.

There are a number of different prize categories and all businesses that enter 12 or more people into the event will receive a free engraved plaque to present to their fastest runner.

The Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run starts and finishes on Union Street in the heart of the city centre and the route takes in the Aberdeen Harbour, Old Aberdeen and Brig o’Balgownie.

To enter the Simplyhealth Great Aberdeen Run Business Challenge visit greatrun.org/aberdeenbusiness