‘Fit for Hospitality’ is a new hospitality initiative, aiming to provide practical support for those in the industry on how to work on their physical and mental wellbeing, as well as free to enter challenges and events across the UK. 

Inspired by his own personal industry experiences, founder Simon Maguire is on a mission to support fitness and wellbeing within hospitality; with exercise and challenges providing not only a goal to work towards, but a sense of achievement.  

To kick start the initiative, Fit for Hospitality will be staging its first UK challenge this year, with a 5k or 10k fundraising run on Thursday 21st September. The race will take place along Bournemouth beach promenade and is open to anyone who works in hospitality. There are 600 free places on a first-come basis, with participants encouraged to sign-up and raise funds towards three great causes.  

Recognising the positive link between health and performance, as well as improved mental health, Simon Maguire says: “This initiative is about supporting the wellbeing of our teams across the industry, encouraging and supporting people to get the best out of themselves.

With a squeeze on people and companies’ budgets, Fit for Hospitality couldn’t come at a better time. I’m incredibly excited about the prospect of 600 people crossing the line in September and believe this is only the start of the Fit for Hospitality journey”.

Raising funds for three of the industries most recognised and important charities, all funds will go towards Room to Reward, Hospitality Action, and Springboard. Maguire adds: “Each of these charities are crucial in supporting not only those working within hospitality, but also the unsung heroes within our communities.” 

Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action says: “At Hospitality Action, we strongly believe that a healthy and happy workforce is a key ingredient in a successful hospitality business, and we’re excited to be involved in the Fit for Hospitality Challenge. Not only will the event promote workplace wellbeing, but the money raised will help hospitality families in crisis during these difficult times.”

Chris Gamm, CEO of The Springboard Charity says: “The Fit for Hospitality challenge is an exciting and fun way to keep your people fit and healthy and take part in a team challenge. Springboard is delighted to be one of the chosen charities and all money raised will go towards helping young, unemployed and underprivileged people into great jobs in hospitality.”

Adam Terpening, Room to Reward says: “Fit for Hospitality is a fantastic way of looking after physical and mental health and developing a strong team spirit, whilst exploring the stunning Bournemouth coastline. Every penny raised enables us to help charities, community groups and the inspirational volunteers who do so much for them.”

Providing the fundamental sponsorship for the event to take place, Fit for Hospitality is delighted to announce Umbrella Training Limited, Harri, Thissaway and WPA WPA Health Insurance as partners for its first event – which is being powered by West Peak.

Maguire says: “We are hugely indebted to our sponsors, as we would have not been able to run this event without their generosity. I’d also like to thank Steve Lewis (Lainston House), Lindsay Southward (Village Hotels) an Simon Farrow (TAO Hospitality) who have kindly offered their support in the planning of this event.”

For details on how to enter, please visit: https://challenging.events/e/fit-for-hospitality-9255