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Drinks writers run Ardbeg Half Marathon in memory of Alan Lodge

Published:  25 July, 2013

A team of over 20 drinks writers and representatives of Scottish whiksy distillery, Ardbeg, are to take part in the annual Islay Half Marathon on August 3 to help raise money for the National Brain Appeal in memory of Alan Lodge of The Spirits Business who died from a brain haemorrhage aged just 29 last year.

A team of over 20 drinks writers and representatives of Scottish whisky distillery, Ardbeg, are to take part in the annual Islay Half Marathon on August 3 to help raise money for the National Brain Appeal in memory of Alan Lodge of The Spirits Business who died from a brain haemorrhage aged just 29 last year.

The group have come together to have a go at what organisers are calling "a challenging 13.1 mile race across unforgiving undulating Inner Hebridean terrain". All of have been in training, to certain levels of success and fitness, since January to be ready to run on August 3. The fact the team of runners have come together to support the charity in this way is particularly poignant as Ardbeg was Alan's favourite whisky.

They hope to collectively raise £3,000 for the Brain Appeal charity and are calling on friends and colleagues in the wine and spirits trade to get behind their efforts. If you are able to donate then you can do so by going to the Virgin Money Fundraising page at: www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/TheArdbegHalfMarathon_AlanLodge

Runners include;

·         Lucy Britner, bars editor, Drinks International

·         Laura Foster, Imbibe

·         Joel Harrison, caskstrength.com

·         Chris Losh, editor, Imbibe

·         Becky Paskin, deputy editor, The Spirits Business

·         Sandrae Sharpen, Cocktail Lovers

·         Richard Siddle, editor, Harpers

·         Hamish Smith, deputy editor, Drinks International

·         Olly Wehring, editor, just-drinks.com

·         Richard Woodard, freelance drinks writer

Richard Siddle, editor of Harpers Wine & Spirit, said: "I have always looked at half marathons, never mind marathons, as things 'other' people do. But this is different. Alan was such a great character, a personality to fill any room he entered and a thoroughly great guy that it seems very much the right thing to do to support his memory and the work of the National Brain Appeal in this way. Whether I am saying that after about 10 miles is another thing, but we will certainly have a lot of fun, as Alan would want us to, along the way. It won't be the first time I will come back from Islay in a lot of pain! Anything you can do to support the appeal would be greatly appreciated."

Olly Wehring, editor of just-drinks.com, added: "The furthest I ever saw Alan run was across a room to get to a bar, so I am in no doubt he would find it hilarious that a dozen of his UK drinks press colleagues are running a half-marathon in his honour. His hilarity will no doubt turn to envy, however, as we'll toast our achievement on Saturday evening with a dram of his favourite Scotch - cheers Alan."

"Beyond the obvious physical challenge of putting one foot in front of the other so many times, it will be fascinating, if painful, to see Islay from a totally different perspective. And, in the process, to raise as much money as possible for a great cause, while remembering a friend and colleague whose life was so tragically cut short. I'm sure more than one glass of Ardbeg will be raised to Alan - but only once we've crossed the finish line, of course," said Richard Woodard

"For those who know how tough and arduous it is training for something like a half marathon, we are hoping you will show some sympathy and support for us as we gear up for this challenge, Alan was a very dear friend of so many of us, and an ardent fan of Ardbeg. This race is the perfect way for us to remember him and give something back in his memory," added Becky Paskin, deputy editor and former colleague of Alan's on the Spirits Business.

 

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