Drinks writers raise over £5,000 for charity

A team of over 20 British drinks writers have raised over £5,000 for the National Brain Appeal by running the Ardbeg Half Marathon in memory of Alan Lodge.

The Ardbeg team joined Richard Siddle of Harper’s Wine & Spirit (far right) as he finished the race in penultimate position

The team, sponsored by single malt Scotch Ardbeg, were inspired to raise funds for the charity following the tragic death of their friend and colleague passed away from a brain haemorrhage at the age of 29 last year.

Known for being one of the most challenging half marathons in the country at Ardbeg’s home of Islay, the race saw the 20-something writers, whisky retailers and brand managers take to the undulating and windswept terrain of the Hebridean island.

Leading the Ardbeg team was Imbibe editor Chris Losh with a time of 1 hour 36 minutes, followed by freelance wine and spirits writer Richard Woodard in 1 hour 51 minutes. In third place was Hamish Smith of Drinks International at 2 hours, and Olly Wehring of Just Drinks who finished at 2 hours 2 minutes.

“My family has been overwhelmed by the support we have received from the drinks industry folk since my brother Alan passed away last year,” said Alan’s sister Hannah Grace Lodge. “It is evident how much Alan was loved by all in the industry; Ardbeg’s sponsorship of the half and for all of these wonderful people to run and raise money in Alan’s memory is such a testament to him.  He always joked about being a legend… turns out, he kind of was one.”

Also racing were Neil Aitken, Ardbeg; Ashish Basnet, The Whisky Exchange; Alison Birch, The Whisky Exchange; Lucy Britner, freelance drinks writer; Sian Deegan, Ardbeg; Laura Foster, Imbibe; Joel Harrison, caskstrength.net; George Keeble, Soho Whisky Club; Marcin Miller, Quercus Communications; Arthur Motley, Royal Mile Whiskies; Becky Paskin, The Spirits Business; Vincent Rose, The Whisky Exchange; Sandrae Sharpen, The Cocktail Lovers; Richard Siddle, Harpers; Stephen Smith, WGSN; and Eduardo Vivas, Ardbeg.

Rachel Ramanathan and Sian Deegan of Ardbeg even made the brave decision to run the course pushing a wheelbarrow full of peat, although they gave themselves a headstart of 45 minutes.

While the team has surpassed its fund-raising target of £3,000, late donations are still being accepted on the group’s Virgin Money Giving page.