Aberdeen Standard Investments kick off post-merger charity efforts with capital run event

Aberdeen Standard Investments has launched its first charity event since the completion of the mega-merger between Aberdeen Asset Management and Standard Life from which it was formed earlier this month.

Standard Life Aberdeen’s investment arm is inviting property professionals from all over the UK to come under starters orders from Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings when they make tracks for Edinburgh to run in a charity race.

More than 250 property experts are due to pull on their running shoes to compete in the 5k raising funds for the Wooden Spoon charity of which Hastings is Honorary President in Scotland.

Race organisers from Aberdeen Standard Investments property team are pinning their hopes on the fun run smashing £10,000, pushing the collective total raised over the race’s three-year history through the £30,000 barrier.

Aberdeen Standard Investments colleagues Laura Hughes and Elaine McCann organise the race in their home city, bringing staff from more than 40 different companies together in friendly rivalry, and adding to the charity pot of £19,000 raised from the past two races for the charity that funds life-changing projects to support disadvantaged and disabled children across the UK and Ireland.

Laura said: “The atmosphere is always electric and it’s great to gather everyone together in Edinburgh for a common goal – providing a personal challenge while raising money for a very worthwhile charity at the same time. There’s plenty of feel-good factor, as we encourage participants to run in fancy dress and the route takes in some of the city’s most striking landmarks, like Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament and the Royal Mile.

“Last year over £10,000 was raised and it would be great to equal, or exceed that sum this time round. So far we have representatives of over 40 companies signed up, from surveying firms, consultants and property solicitors. They will be travelling to Edinburgh from London, Nottingham and Leeds, and the good news is that and there’s still time to sign up – the closing date for entries is 30th August.”

The race takes place on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 6 and is exclusively for property professionals. Once again competitors are being encouraged to run in fancy dress and among the most hotly contested prizes are those for the best fancy dress team and individual. There are also awards for the fastest male, female, fastest over 45 and first team of four.

After the race, there will be an awards ceremony when prizes will be presented by Hastings while Wooden Spoon Scotland chairman Charlie Bryden will speak about the latest work of the charity which raises funds to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people across the country.

For further details about the event including information on how to sign up visit: www.entrycentral.com/AberdeenAssetManagement5kmRace