Scotland’s hospitality industry has this week rallied behind The Drinks Trust chair Neil Barker as he undertakes the SIXTREME running challenge across the country.
On Monday morning, marking the charity’s 140th anniversary, Barker set off from the Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Girvan on a mission to run six ultramarathons in six days, a total of more than 170 miles.
On each day of this epic six-day run, senior industry figures and colleagues have been joining him on the road, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for hospitality workers facing financial hardship, mental health and wellbeing challenges, and barriers to employment.
Barker’s running entourage has been gathered from some of the country’s best-known businesses – including Turnberry, Buzzworks, Tennent’s, Inverarity Morton, Scottish Rugby, Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
He said: “I couldn’t think of a better way to bring together colleagues, partners and friends from across the industry than through a unique endurance challenge that showcases some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery and iconic locations.
“I believe that hospitality is one of the greatest industries and is one that I have had the pleasure of working in for nearly 40 years but the people who power it need support. This SIXTREME challenge is about giving something back.”
From Monday’s start in Girvan, Neil headed north along the Ayrshire Coastal Path for the first two days of the challenge, finishing day one in Troon and then continuing on to Largs.
The route then joined the John Muir Way, travelling from Helensburgh through Strathblane and on to Falkirk, and tomorrow (Friday) will see Neil run from Falkirk to Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, where supporters from Scottish Rugby will welcome him as he nears the finish of the day’s challenge.
The final leg will take Neil along the East Lothian coastline to North Berwick, where he will cross the finish line at Fringe by the Sea, bringing six ultramarathons in six days to a close after more than 170 miles on foot.
To support the campaign, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sixtremeontherocks.
Luxury stays at Gleneagles and Turnberry, VIP sporting experiences and other exclusive prizes are also up for grabs as part of The Drinks Trust’s SIXTREME charity auction. This auction is now open and will close at 23:59 on Monday 3rd August.
