Virtual challenge to support hospitality opportunities

This July, get a team together and travel 10,000 miles from Wembley Stadium to the Adelaide Oval, to support access to hospitality careers

The Springboard Charity has announced the return of its annual Virtual Race with an exciting new ‘Down Under’ theme for July 2025. Teams across the UK will collectively journey the 10,112 miles from London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, where the charity held it’s annual Awards for Excellence in April, to the Adelaide Oval in Australia, whilst raising vital funds to support young, unemployed, and disadvantaged people into hospitality careers.

Throughout July 2025, participants will embark on an epic virtual journey spanning continents and oceans. Teams of up to 20 people will collectively track their physical activities – whether walking, running, swimming, or cycling – to accumulate the miles needed to reach Australia. Each team member’s contribution will propel their team further along the virtual route, with progress trackable via smart watches, activity trackers and the online My Virtual Misson platform.

“After the tremendous success of our previous virtual races, we’re taking participants on our most ambitious journey yet,” said Chris Gamm, CEO of Springboard. “The 10,112-mile distance from London to the other side of the world presents a significant, but achievable challenge that will inspire and motivate participants while raising crucial funds for our programmes.”

The Virtual Race has become a highlight in Springboard’s fundraising calendar since its inception during the pandemic. The 2023 “Race Around the World” event raised an impressive £82,000 (including Gift Aid), exceeding the previous year’s total by £18,000. This overwhelming success demonstrates the growing popularity of the challenge and its effectiveness in engaging supporters across the hospitality industry and beyond.
Participants can contribute miles however they choose, from casual walks to intensive cycling sessions, making it suitable for all fitness levels while building team spirit and supporting a vital cause.

All proceeds from the Virtual Race will support Springboard’s programmes, which help young, unemployed, and disadvantaged people develop the skills and confidence needed to secure sustainable employment in the hospitality industry.

Devonte Tulloch, a former Springboard trainee, exemplifies the life-changing impact of these programmes: “That course was the best thing that ever happened to me… Now I have a new job working between the bar, the kitchen and front of house at the O2 Arena… I am one billion per cent more confident than I was before I found Springboard.”

How to participate

Individuals and teams can register now, with early registration encouraged to maximise training and fundraising time. For just £15 per person, participants can sign up individually or as part of a team of up to 20 people. Each registrant will receive a special Springboard Virtual Race Goes Down Under race T-shirt and goody bag as part of the experience.

Teams must collectively pledge to raise a minimum of £3,000 for Springboard, with all funds being collected through JustGiving. Prizes will be awarded to the teams that complete the journey fastest and those that raise the most money.

Amy-Jane Cahalane, Head of Marketing & Events added “Whether you’re joining as an individual or with colleagues, the Virtual Race offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself physically while changing people’s lives. Last year, some of our most successful teams found creative ways to engage supporters and exceed their fundraising targets.”

Sponsorship opportunities

For businesses looking to enhance their corporate social responsibility profile while promoting employee wellbeing, the Virtual Race offers several sponsorship tiers. Opportunities include team entries, brand visibility on marketing materials, inclusion in press releases and social media and logo placement on participants’ t-shirts. Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact annad@springboarduk.org.uk

charity Chris Gamm hospitality Springboard Charity