First ever Race to End Homelessness held in Edinburgh

Scots have been urged to dig out their running shoes and start training as the first ever Race to End Homelessness launches in Scotland.

The 10km and 5km fundraising runs, organised by homelessness charity Crisis in partnership with YTL Hotels’ The Glasshouse, will take place in Edinburgh for the first time on Sunday, 20 March 2022, as part of efforts to raise awareness of homelessness in Scotland.

With around 1 in 12 people in Scotland having experienced homelessness at some point in their life, Crisis has called on supporters from across the country to run or walk the 5km or 10km routes through Edinburgh.

The two events will see runners set off from Holyrood Park to complete a challenging circuit around the side of the Salsbury Crags, before ending with a dramatic climb up Calton Hill and on to the finish line at The Glasshouse, with post-race celebrations on the hotel’s two-acre rooftop garden.

While 2022 represents the first time the event will be held in Edinburgh, the Race to End Homelessness London has raised more than £2.5 million over 26 years.

Crisis offers frontline support, training and advice for people experiencing homelessness through its Skylight in Edinburgh, while also campaigning for the changes needed to end homelessness in Scotland altogether.

The Glasshouse, part of YTL Hotels, chose to sponsor the event because of the hotel’s historical connection to helping those in need. The Glasshouse was one of the altruistic Lady Glenorchy’s many ‘free churches for the less wealthy’ offering shelter to people affected by homelessness. Today, the hotel’s gothic façade remains as a reminder of the chapel constructed in 1846. 

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be launching the first Race to End Homelessness in Edinburgh. The event promises to be lots of fun for everyone taking part, all the while raising much needed funds to help ensure that we can achieve our goal to end homelessness. So, put on your running shoes and sign up for what will be a brilliant event!”

YTL Hotels Vice President Andrew Jordan said: “YTL Hotels is delighted to be supporting the first Race to End Homelessness in Edinburgh. The Glasshouse's historical connection to helping those in need and YTL Hotels' expertise in crafting exceptional experiences makes the partnership with Crisis and this exciting new event a natural fit. We look forward to hosting runners for post-race celebrations and helping Crisis raise much-needed funds to help end homelessness.”

More info on the Race to End Homelessness Edinburgh here

Located at the finish line, The Glasshouse is the ideal place to stay for those taking part in The Race to End Homelessness: Calton Hill Edinburgh. The hotel team will be hand to help runners get a winning start in the race, with a special package available to book on Saturday, 19 March 2022, which includes an overnight stay in a Signature room, an energising breakfast before heading to the start line and a late check-out at 1pm.

Whether guests are looking to achieve a personal best, run in a ridiculous costume to raise record-breaking amounts for Crisis, or simply just get around the course, The Glasshouse ensures all you have to do is get over the finish line and they will pick up the pieces.

The Glasshouse is part of YTL Hotels, a company passionate about working with and supporting the local communities in which it operates. As the brand has expanded its UK portfolio significantly in recent years the team were eager to grow philanthropic efforts in line with this.