It was another fantastic weekend for Gladiator Events as we delivered two charity challenge events across the UK. The newest addition to the Trek26 Series in Northumberland and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Royal Ramble saw hundreds of walkers dig deep and hike for two brilliant causes.
Trek26 Northumberland
Saturday saw the launch of a brand new addition to the Alzheimer’s Society’s Trek26 series in Northumberland. Almost 800 walkers descended on the dramatic landscapes of the North East coastline to take on either a 13 or 26-mile route through coastal paths, rolling countryside, and past historic monuments.
Throughout the day, there were brilliant connections formed between walkers united for the same cause – and it all paid off with an impressive £431,000 raised for the charity at the time of writing.
The atmosphere and support and connection amongst walkers, volunteers and organisers was a real theme of the day.
One participant, Catherine, commented:
From the moment I stepped over the start line to the finishers line - the day has been fantastic! I’ll be back next year. Met some amazing people. I supported a gentleman from Mile 9 to the finishers line. This gentleman and I exchanged stories of why we were there today. Together we will make a difference.
The Royal Ramble
Meanwhile, in the heart of the capital, nearly 500 walkers from UK Power Networks (UKPN) took on a 20-mile fundraising hike through London to support The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity.
The Royal Ramble, which passed almost 30 royal monuments and parks, was a unique route celebrating the royal connection to the charity. From Buckingham Palace to St. James’ Park and across Tower Bridge, the day mixed challenge and culture in equal measure.
Walkers were in high spirits, and the weather stayed kind throughout the day. With £87,700 raised for the DofE, the event finished in style with a riverside celebration at Potters Fields Park, offering incredible views of Tower Bridge as a backdrop for walkers to enjoy some well-earned rest and celebration.
Abi Knapton, Event Manager from Gladiator Events, commented:
The Royal Ramble was a huge success, with a real team spirit showed between all walkers on the route and afterwards. A particular highlight for me was our huge livestream screen in our event hub, which shared live results as walkers came through the finish line, as well as live pictures from our walkers out on the route, fostering a real sense of shared connection between everyone and creating an atmosphere of celebration.