Close to 400 KPMG Promenade Relay runners and hundreds more spectators took to Douglas Promenade in perfect summer conditions on Friday June 13th to raise over ?17,000 for KPMG’s chosen charity of the year, Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. 

First launched in April 2013, the annual KPMG Promenade Relay invites fun runners and serious athletes alike to tackle the four-length, 10k promenade course in teams of either two or four. Hundreds of corporate and amateur teams have since taken the challenge, raising a total of over ?30,000 for charities Rebecca House and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

A series of team prizes were on offer for this year’s race, including a ?300 first prize, ?200 second and ?100 third prize for the fastest overall teams and best dressed entries. Winning teams could then choose to donate to a charity of their choice. Team Kuta Experience took first place for the fastest team with an overall time of just 33mins 41 seconds, nominating Manx Cancer Help as their chosen charity. Team Chicken Run of Cavendish Trust Company fought off stiff competition from jogging geriatrics and Mexican wrestlers for the best dressed category, choosing to donate their winnings to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.  Winners were also awarded with winners’ shields, running shirts donated by Up and Running, and bar tabs courtesy of Carnival at the post-race prize giving ceremony at the Claremont.

Paul Cawley, organiser of the event, commented on the day’s successes: “It’s remarkable to see the extent to which the KPMG Promenade Relay has grown over just 18 months. This year we saw over 100 teams, constituting close to 400 runners, take to the tarmac to raise funds for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. It was a great day out. Conditions were perfect, everybody was excited and the times and outfits were fantastic. This event could not go ahead without hard work and support of our marshals, Douglas Development Partnership, Event Solutions, Up and Running, 3FM, Ashgrove Marketing, St John Ambulance, Manx Timing Solutions and the Department of Infrastructure.  I would also like to offer my sincerest gratitude to everybody involved, from our sponsors and volunteers to our runners and their supporters, for helping us to raise so much for such an important cause. See you all next year!”

Simon Nicholas, Director at KPMG, also commented: “The success of this year’s KPMG Promenade Relay proves how enormously privileged we are on the Isle of Man to have such an active fundraising community. The enthusiasm of the event’s sponsors and its participants is infectious and everybody here at KPMG is extremely proud to be a part of it. We’re already looking forward to next year and invite you all to get involved.”

To find out more about Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research visit: www.leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk.