Edinburgh's Glasshouse hotel teams up with Crisis charity to launch Race to End Homelessness through the streets of the city.

The Race to End Homelessness: Calton Hill Edinburgh will give 500 people the chance to run or walk a 5k or 10k route through the streets of the Capital, ending with a dramatic climb up Calton Hill before crossing the finish line at The Glasshouse, with post-race celebrations on the hotel’s two-acre rooftop garden.

The Race will be the first of its kind in Scotland, building on the success of Crisis’ Square Mile Run series in London, which has raised more than £2.5 million over 26 years.

YTL Hotels, owners of The Glasshouse, 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.

The Race will be held on Sunday 15 March 2020 and raise vital awareness and funds to end homelessness in Scotland.

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, says, “We’re 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 ensure that we can achieve our goal to end homelessness. So get on your running shoes and sign up for what will be a brilliant event.”

The Race to End Homelessness: Calton Hill Edinburgh will set off from outside Scottish Parliament, with 10k participants heading out at 9.25am, closely followed by those taking on the 5k race at 9.45am. The scenic route will take competitors along Abbeyhill to Regent Road Park with the first chance to refuel at one of several water stops.

Those taking on the 10k race will run alongside St Margaret's Loch and around Holyrood Park, offering a glimpse of Scotland’s stunning highland landscape. The route also includes the edge of the Salisbury Crags and takes runners around the foot of Edinburgh’s iconic Arthur's Seat.

All contenders will near the end of the race with a climb up Calton Hill, one of Scotland’s first public parks. Sitting 100 meters above sea level, the challenging ascent will be well worth it, as panoramic views over the city await at the top. From here, runners will be on the final sprint to the finish line at The Glasshouse on Greenside Place.

To sign up to take part, go to www.crisis.org.uk/caltonhill. There is a £20 registration fee with commitment to fund-raise at least £50. Fancy dress is encouraged.

The Glasshouse will host post-run celebrations and special Runner’s Packages will also be available on 14 and 15 March 2020 for those staying over.