"Associates Participate in Local Run"

18 members of staff took on the Midlands’ biggest 10k, swapping horsepower for a more human undertaking. Some ran the 10k for the first time, others have run this distance (and further) many times before, but that is one of the beauties of this event – whether you are an elite club runner or a complete novice, everyone can join in from all abilities.

Three teams of supremely fit, finely tuned athletes of all ages and abilities took part in the ENGIE Business Challenge at the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10k along with 7,000 other runners, braving the rain and wind to pound the streets of Birmingham to get to the finish line.

Paul Widdowson, UK Financial Controller, described the 10K as the perfect bonding event for staff from different departments. “This is the second year that we have entered the Business Challenge in the Simplyhealth Great Birmingham 10K. I wanted to find a suitable local event that would be open to all employees that could build team spirit amongst everyone here – and the Birmingham 10k was perfect".

"Last year we took part for the first time with only a small team, but this year we have managed to gather 18 budding runners that allowed us to enter three separate teams this year – an I.T. team, a Sales team and a Mixed team. It was a tough course, starting in the city centre then out along the A34 to Perry Barr before turning round and coming back, and finishing on the Aston University campus. It wasn’t the most picturesque route but with the fantastic support from the crowds, it was a great event to be a part of".

Many companies from the Midlands entered the ENGIE Business Challenge and went head to head to compete for the fastest-time trophies and most importantly, bragging rights among corporate competitors. We were delighted that one of the Reynolds’ teams came second and another third in the men’s medium business category respectively, with the third team finishing seventh in the mixed category, which is also very respectable given the total number of teams that entered.

Paul concluded, “Like many companies, we go to work and put in many hours for our day jobs, but sadly, it's not very often that we get the chance to mix across departments outside of the work environment. This event was the ideal opportunity to do just that and bring colleagues together for a common goal. Not only that but running is a great way to improve fitness – both physical and mental.”

Well done to everyone who took part and roll on next year.