London Hotel Blog

On February 5th, Madame Tussauds London unveiled a wax figure of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The new wax work can be found in the Political Leaders Zone of Madame Tussauds London’s famous World Stage. Guests to the attraction can experience what it feels like to deliver a keynote address in front of major political heavyweights including Tony Blair and George Bush (if anyone would want to share such a platform that is). When you take the podium sensors automatically triggers audience applause and the flashing cameras of press photographers to recreate the experience!

When visiting London and Madame Tussauds you consider hotels near Madame Tussauds and Baker Street tube station.

Flora London Marathon

Address: 10 Theed Street, London SE1 8ST, United Kingdom

Date: April 13, 2008 
Hours: 6:30am
Tickets: Free

WWW: http://www.london-marathon.co.uk/
Phone: +44 20 79020200 

About the Flora London Marathon

Olympic Champion Chris Brasher’s vision of a marathon in London where all people “black, white and yellow” come together to “laugh, cheer and suffer” for the name of charity. His dream became a reality on March 29, 1981 as the Flora London Marathon (FLM) and has been going strong ever since.

Today the London Marathon attracts nearly 100,000 entrees and accepts about half. Although the marathon is a great challenge and a prideful thing for those that enter, it is also extremely enthusiastic about providing for charities the world over. Runners are encouraged to fundraise for a charity of their choice. Many charity organizers even set up entrants to raise money for their own cause. The FLM organization itself also picks official charities to contribute too, with 2008’s chosen charities being H-E-A-R-T UK and the Spinal Injuries Association.

In the days leading up to the race, there is also a Marathon Expo which is held annually at London’s Docklands. The Expo is free of charge, open for four full days and attracts nearly 70,000 visitors. Participants can register, pick up their chip and number or get the latest in race gear. Visitors can meet motivational sports stars, shop Adidas’ Superstore for souvenir items, join the runners at the Pasta Party and watch presentations and entertainment on the Adidas stage. This year the Expo is open on Wednesday from 11:00am – 8:00pm; Thursday and Friday from 10:00am – 8:00pm and Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm. Spectators are also encouraged to seek out the Pubs and Course Entertainment that has been planned out for them along the marathon route.

Anyone looking to participate should look at all that is available to them. There is the feel good aspect of knowing you are running for a cause as well as your own health. The FLM also provides interactive training guides and a FLM 2008 Personal Trainer so that all contestants are ready and able to cross that finish line.  There is also a FLM Injury Clinic that is there for those with injury and those who simply want advice on how to avoid injury during the race.

Running the FLM is also a great way to see London. Beginning at Blackheath and ending at the Mall, the rest of the 26.2 miles is filled with infamous London landmarks like Cutty Sark, London Eye, Tower of London, Parliament, Cleopatra’s Needle, Tate Modern, the Thames, National Maritime Museum, Canary Wharf, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, London Bridge and HMS Belfast.

In order to take part, contestants can fill out entry forms online, by way of the postal service or by fax as their first step. Overseas entries are also more than welcome and must fill out a special online form or call the FLM telephone to register. Registration is fee but all are absolutely encouraged to run for a charity of their choice or for one of FLM’s official charities.

Getting to Flora London Marathon

The starting line’s tube is in Zone 3 in Blackheath Village. For further information, the Transport for London government website provides useful tips on how to get to any site along the FLM path. FLM participants and spectators can buy the recommended 1 to 3 day tickets package that will endure the length of their stay for the race.

Flora London Marathon Hotels 

Here is a short guide to Flora London Marathon hotel accommodation.

All of London’s Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts are offering two packages that align with the FLM.

Option A is a premium package that includes a nutritional pre-race breakfast, coach transfer, complementary physio and a soothing post race massage. This package requires a minimum two nights’ stay and is available at Holiday Inn Bloomsbury, Holiday Inn Kings Cross/Bloomsbury, Holiday Inn Mayfair and Holiday Inn Regents Park. Prices ranges from 120 – 165EUR depending upon the location.

Option B also requires a minimum two nights’ stay and provides a nutritional pre-race breakfast and coach transfer. These are available at Holiday Inn Bexley, Holiday Inn Brent Cross, Chessington, Heathrow Ariel, Holiday Inn Heathrow M4 J4, Kensington Forum, Oxford Circus, Sutton and Shepperton as well as Crowne Plaza Docklands, Heathrow, The City and Shoreditch. Prices for Option B range from 61 – 165EUR depending on the location.

We had previously stated that City Inn Westminster was offering a marathon package but this is no longer available.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org

This short break guide about London, England will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what’s on in London and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.

About London, England

London is the largest and most populated urban site in England and the United Kingdom, holding nearly 8 million people in Greater London, which does not even begin to cover the additional 6 million in the suburban areas surrounding the city. Greater London retains the same boundaries that were set for it when it was founded during ancient Roman times. Since then, the city has seen its citizens through much development such as the English Renaissance, Industrial Revolution and Gothic Revival periods. These magnificent eras have landed London among other great cities of the world as a financial and cultural hub, with its influences spreading far and wide among politics, religion, education, entertainment, fashion and media.

London also boasts many fantastic attractions. Its Heathrow Airport transports more passengers than any other airport in the world. It also brags of its three World Heritage Sites: the Palace of Westminster, Tower of London and the historic Greenwich area. London is also immersed deeply in the fashion, music, theater and literary scenes, as greats like Shakespeare, The Beatles, Sex Pistols, The Clash and Vivienne Westwood respectively all hail from its cobble stoned streets.

What is on in London in 2008

Our mini-guide to what’s on in London lists the top events in 2008 in a handy London Calendar format. If you take your short break in London, England when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in London.

January

Twelfth Night Celebration – A free festival, dedicated to literature and theater, features untamed rhyme backed up by untamed actions through music, storytelling, dance and other pagan activities. The Twelfth Night Celebration is held at no better place than Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.

February

Cirque du Soleil – Each February the exotic Cirque du Soleil troupe converges on London to present all with their newest shows at Royal Albert Hall. The magic and mystery of the most unique circus on earth runs for nearly a full month annually between January and February and costs anywhere from 15-58EUR. Hours vary depending on the day.

March

Twentieth Century Fashion Auction - Christie’s South Kensington presents a wide variety of 20th century fashion designs at the annual March auction. Vintage pieces from designers like Hermes, Balmain, Pucci and Ossie Clark come from all decades of the century and feature many vintage as well as couture pieces. These types of events are what regard London as one of the most eclectic fashion capitols of the world. The auction begins at 2:00pm during the first week of March.

April

London Burlesque Festival - Try something new and hit the London Burlesque Festival. Thrown by patron Chaz Royal, this promises to be a titillating time with sultry songs, stripteases and burlesque pageants at several venues around the city including Madame Jojo’s, Soho Revue Bar, and Bush Hall. The Burlesque Fest runs the first week each April and prices vary according to event and venue.

May

Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award- From May through October each year, the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife magazine present the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award. This Award is reserved for those photogs that have gone through hell and high water to capture some of most fantastic and fascinating wildlife photos of the year. The winners and runners up are exhibited at the museum. The displays hours run from Monday – Saturday 10:00am – 5:50pm and Sunday from 11:00am – 5:50pm. The cost to the museum is free and the exhibit is 7EUR for adults, 3EUR for children and concessions and 12EUR for a family pack.

June

Graduate Fashion Week – Annually, the graduates of fashion schools around Britain flock to Graduate Fashion Week to show the world what they got. Stella McCartney, Antonio Berard and Julien MacDonald all kick started their skyrocketing careers here. Runway shows are set up at Battersea Park Arena from Sunday – Tuesday 11:00am – 7:30am and Wednesday 11:00am – 6:30pm. Costs are 5 – 25EUR.

July

Sprite Urban Games - Every June and July Clapham Common fills with the likes of skateboarders, BMX bikers, breakdancers, top DJ’s and enthusiasts for the Urban Games, the highest level of international and British skating and BMXing. Combine these daredevils with DJ’s, dancers, open bars, food and shopping and you’ve got one of the biggest summer parties in London! The Games hours and costs are: Friday 2:00am – 8:00pm, 10EUR; Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 8:00pm, 30EUR; concessions 20EUR.

August

Carnaval del Pueblo - Europe’s biggest celebration of Latin culture amasses in London’s Burgess Park each August. The Carnaval features processions, exotic floats, music, dancers and elaborate costume. Mix the spicy Latin cultures of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela with London’s cheeky attitude and you’ve got one sizzling salsa fest. The cost for all of this Latin flavor? Free! Hours vary to event.

September

Regent Street Festival - For one small period of time each year, London’s entire Regent Street shuts down for the Regent Street Festival. The fest abounds with music and theater on every street corner and venue on Regent. Even eateries join in the fun, offering festive special menus, discounts and demonstrations for the day. The festival and its events run from 12:00pm – 8:00pm and are free, aside from what you buy of course.

October

RHS London Autumn Show – The annual Royal Horticultural Halls (RHS) annual London Autumn Show, which is held at the Society’s own halls, features all of the fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers and botanical art and photography a plant lover could ever hope for. Specialists discuss techniques and expend free advice while showing many diverse and unique plants that they have grown over the years. The show runs each October on Tuesday from 11:00am – 7:00pm and Wednesday from 10:00am – 5:00pm.

November

Fireworks Displays – London is known for its ability to draw upwards of a million to its dazzling fireworks displays and November’s displays are plentiful to say the least! A free show goes off at Blackheath at 7:30pm. The display at Alexandra Palace is free but comes with suggested donations of 2EUR for future firework displays and hours of 4:30 – 11:00pm for festivities including a Kiddie Palace and Beer Festival. The fireworks show starts at 7:30pm. And last but far from least is the Battersea Park Fireworks Display, which draws crowds of half a million every year. The cost for this magnificent and famed display is 5EUR and 1EUR for 10 and unders. The gates of the park open at 6:00pm for a bonfire, with the display beginning at 8:00pm.

December

Pig’s Ear Beer & Cider Festival - Each December the Pig’s Ear Beer & Cider Festival kicks off. Oddly enough it is a music free event so that participants can concentrate solely on the beer drinking at hand at the Ocean in Hackney. Over 100 beers, pale ales, traditional ales, porters, ciders and perries are yours for the tasting, thanks to the Campaign for Real Ale Association. The hours are Tuesday – Thursday from 12:00pm – 10:30pm, Friday 11:00am – 11:00pm and Saturday 11:00am – 10:00pm. The cost is 3EUR.

Recommended London Hotels

Hotel review website TripAdvisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess London hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 London hotels recommended by review are:

1. The Soho Hotel
2. Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel
3. Parkcity
4. Hotel 41
5. Apex City of London Hotel
6. London Bridge Hotel
7. The Sumner Hotel
8. Luna & Simone Hotel
9. Milestone Hotel
10. Renaissance Chancery Court London

The Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury has just concluded its sleek, new reception, lobby and Junction bar revamp. Located at Coram Street WC1 and only five minutes from Eurostar’s new St Pancras international terminal, the 310 room hotel is now up to speed with its fashionable and modern look.

The Junction Bar bestows an additional place for guests to dine, enjoy cocktails or grab a snack. The accessible bar provides a quiet substitute the hotels Irish bar, Callaghan’s, for those looking for a more calm, contemporary night out.

The updated Lobby and reception area has also been given a stylish look that coincides with Junction Bar. The room has been seemingly enlarged and celebrates London art icons with the artwork that is hung around the space.

The fantastic, new fangled hotel can also house the business minded with its Academy. The specialized Academy boasts self contained meeting, conference and banquet facilities, complete with 14 suites, which can accommodate nearly 450 guests comfortably.

The Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury has also been praised for its accessibility for people with a disability and proudly received the Best Disabled Access Award in 2007. This well rounded and well situated hotel is located across from Kings Cross and Euston stations and the Russell Square Tube, enabling guests to whisk around the city at a moments notice.

Eurostar has almost completed the new London home for its high-tech, fast-paced train system. Wednesday, November 14, 2007 sees Eurostar move from Waterloo to Kings Cross St Pancras.

On November 13, the last arrivals and departures to and from Waterloo International will come to a halt. Over night, Eurostar will be changing its location to St Pancras International – its new home. The new station is at a better site, right in the heart of London. It offers a faster Eurostar with enhanced connections through the United Kingdom and Europe. On average, Eurostar will be more than 20 minutes quicker to each place. For example a trip from the new St Pancras, London station to Paris will be 2 hours and 15 minutes compared to the current pace of 2 hours and 35 minutes. A journey to Brussels will go from 2 hours and 15 minutes down to 1 hour and 51 minutes and a ride to Lille, now 1 hour and 40 minutes, will be cut down by 20 minutes.

The Eurostar services project will expand in 2008 but for now the High Speed 1 line with its six underground lines and five train operators serving St Pancras, King’s Cross and Euston will do.

The new St Pancras station is located in London’s Zone 1. London Kings Cross hotels (or should that be St Pancras hotels?) are plentiful and tend to be on the budget end of the hotel price scale. From Kings Cross St Pancras you can get to most central London locations in only 20 minutes.

Eurostar also calls at brand new station Stratford International in the east of London. Hotels in Stratford London are scarce but we expect more to come with the new terminal and upcoming Olympics.

Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, is annually held to commemorate the 1605 failed Gunpowder Plot in which Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators attempted to blow up Parliament with King James I inside.

After the plot was felled and exposed, Fawkes and his group were arrested, imprisoned and executed. Though not a legal holiday, it’s observed throughout on November 5th – the original day of the plot. In observance, organized fireworks displays will light up the sky all weekend, November 2-5, 2007. The following celebrations are planned for Friday, the 2nd.

The Clapham Fireworks Display: 7:25 p.m.; one of the grandest displays will happen in Clapham Common, more than 40,000 people are expected to attend this South London event. Look for bursting fireworks and family activities. Admission is free. Tube stations: Clapham South / Clapham Common. The following accomodations are within 3 miles of Clapham Common Park:

Chelsea Guest House, 0.9 miles
Leigham Court Hotel, 1.82 miles
Blades Hotel, 2.11 miles
Melita House Hotel, 2.12 miles
Days Inn Westminster, 2.13 miles

Kingston Fireworks Display: 8 p.m., at Kingsmeadow Athletics Centre. There will also be fairground rides and other celebratory attractions. Admission: £5.00, children £3.00.

Bishops Park Fireworks: 8 p.m. in West London; gates open at 6:30 p.m., there will be a children’s show too. Admission: £5.00 flat, for those 5 years and over.

Wimbledon Fireworks: a 5:15 p.m. start; the recommendation is to make an entire day of it at Wimbledon, espcecially with the day’s events beginning so early. This is one of two big displays organized by the Merton Council. Two shows are planned for 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; the traditional bonfire will be lit at 6:30 p.m. Admission: £7.00 for adults; £4.00 for kids over 4 years; little ones under 4, attend for free. Tube station: Wimbledon Park. The following accomodations are within 5 miles of Wimbledon Park:

Best Western Lodge Hotel, 1.36 miles
Cannizaro House, 1.58 miles
Swallow Kingston Lodge Hotel, 2.83 miles
La Reserve, 2.97 miles
Earls Court Hotel, 3.62 miles

Streatham Fireworks: 7:25 p.m., this is one of three massive displays in South London. In addition to the fireworks, there will also be fair rides and fun for the entire family. Tube station: Streatham and Streatham Common.

Brockwell Park Fireworks Display: 7:25 p.m.; get ready for an impressive display at this South London park, which is one of London’s biggest. Tube station: Clapham Common.

^{*Bonfire Night, Wimbledone Park. Photo reprinted with permission of Mercer.}

London, September 8th 2007 . Now in its 20th year, the 22-mile Great River Race is London’s “most colorful and spectacular river event” and is open to all traditional-style boats powered by four or more oars/paddles. Winners are determined by a combination of self-propelled speed as well as a designated handicap. There are 35 trophies to be raced for, so your chances of “winning” are pretty good and the odds of having fun, the best! See all sorts of watercraft including Chinese dragon boats, Hawaiian war canoes, Viking longboats, Irish curraghs, whalers, and skiffs.

This year, 300 boats (and 2,000+) competitors are expected to partake in the race that traverses the River Thames. Crews come from all over, including America and Canada, Holland, Sweden, France, Germany, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and of course – the UK. Registration for the race closed in early August 2007, but there’s still time to make lodging arrangements. The race will start just below Ham House in Richmond, Surrey and end at Island Gardens Park in Greenwich. The closest TUBE STATION: Richmond.

HAM HOUSE (and HOTELS)
As said, the boat race will begin just below this 17th-century Stuart mansion, a popular attraction featuring period interiors, formal gardens, and a history of being one the most haunted houses in Britain. The following hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are within two miles of the great house and easy walking distance of the race.

Petersham Hotel, 0.9 miles
The Richmond Hill Hotel, 1 mile
The Richmond Gate Hotel, 1 mile
Richmond Park Hotel, 1 mile
Hobart Hall Hotel, 1.2 miles
Riverside Hotel, 1.3 miles
The Park, 1.5 miles
Bremic Hotel, 1.5 miles
Quinns Hotel, 1.6 miles
Shandon House Hotel, 1.7 miles
The Red Cow, 1.7 miles
The White Hart Hotel, 1.8 miles
Swallow Kingston Lodge Hotel, 2 miles

FOR SPECTATORS
As for spectators, the spirited race is free to enjoy and can be observed perfectly from a number of vantage points, including the 14 bridges along the Thames. Consider these check points:  1. Ham, Richmond 2. Richmond Bridge 3. Kew Gardens 4. Chiswick Bridge 5. Hammersmith Bridge 6. Putney Bridge 7. Wandsworth Bridge 8. Battersea Bridge 9. Westminster Bridge and 10. The Tower Bridge.

GRUELING 22 MILES
The top 50 boats are expected to cover the grueling 22-mile course in about five hours, but the remaining 250 vessels will make their way eventually. Throughout the day, on-lookers should be able to catch a glimpse of the fun!

 And note this regarding the trophies, individual speed for each watercraft is calculated by computer and an assigned handicap (which does not account for crew ability). The idea is that each craft, regardless of type, should cross the finish line at the same time – with crew ability a constant. Thus, the crew that is able to pull the most out of their boat, is deemed the winner: The UK Traditional Boat Champions. So, at any time, from start (12:55) to finish (approx. 19:00), you could be watching a winner. Remember, there are 35 trophies to vie for.

^{* From 2006 by Ray Little. Photos reprinted with permission of The Great River Race.}

Opened in March 2007, the new Wembley Stadium is “truly iconic,” one for the world to see. With a capacity of 90,000 seats, its signature is a circular lattice archway that is the largest unsupported roof structure in the world. As for the roof itself, it’s an engineering stunner: retractable and integral in recreating the Wembley “roar.” When converted into an athletic statdium, the stadia’s capacity lowers to approximately 60,000 (fans) strong.

Inheriting the storied history of the Old Stadium, Wembley is ready to rock out and make brilliant memories of its own. For instance, in October, it will host the first-ever NFL regular season game outside of the United States. Announced by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell two days before Super Bowl XLI (February 4, 2007), London was named the city. Wembley the venue.

THE GAME
David Beckham once said, “Every young child wants to play at Wembley… for me, it’s the ultimate statdium.” And now, 92 lucky American football players will get that very chance.

October 28, 2007, 1 p.m. EST (17:00 London time)
Week 8 of the 2007 NFL season
Teams: Miami Dolphins vs. New York Giants

These two teams are historic franchises, with the Miami Dolphins still being the only team in NFL history to post an undefeated season (1972), while the New York Giants have won six championships, including two Super Bowls: XXI (1986) and  XV (1990). Key players of the game will likely include Eli Manning, quarterback of the Giants, and Jason Taylor, reigning Defensive Player of the Year and team leader of the Dolphins.

TUBE STATIONS AND HOTELS
In June, the Miami Dolphins made their preview trip to the city. Taylor’s excitement spoke for all players – ”With fans like this behind us in the UK, it’s going to be fun when we get over here and play later in the year.” As for the fans, it’s estimated that 10,000 Americans will make the trip to London for the game. For those visiting, getting to / from the stadium is easy, with Wembley serviced by three stations and five lines.

1. North Wembley Station, Zone 4
2. Wembley Park Station, Zone 4
3. Wembley Central Station, Zone 4

As for where to stay, the following hotels are located within 2 miles of Wembley and vary in price and star rating, from economy to luxury, from 1 to 4 stars.

Wembley Plaza, 0.2 miles
Quality Hotel Wembley, 0.4 miles
Premier Travel Inn London Wembley, 0.4 miles
Wembley Hotel, 0.7 miles
Travelodge Wembley Hotel, 1.2 miles
Brent X Hotel, 1.5 miles
Fox and Goose Hotel, 1.6 miles
Holiday Inn London Ealing, 1.8 miles
Kingsland Hotel, 2 miles

AMERICAN FOOTBALL IN ENGLAND
So, are you planning to attend this historic event? Will you be able to say you were there too? … As for American football in England, there’s actually an interesting history. For instance, in 1944, on Valentine’s Day, a Canada-United States football game was played at White City Stadium in London, England. And if you didn’t know, American football began as a variant of rugby, which itself can be traced to the UK and its “football” games played during the mid-19th century. So in some ways, this NFL regular season game, to be played on October 28, 2007, is like a return home. … See you there (at Wembley or on TV!).

^{* Photos reprinted with permission of Wembley Stadium.}

Organized by the Gorilla Organization, the Fifth Annual Great Gorilla Run will take place on September 22, 2007 — to the delight of thousands, 1,000 runners/walkers in gorilla suits will race for 7km (approximately 4 miles) to the benefit of the endangered mountain gorilla.

Start time is 10:30 a.m., and the race itself will last about 30 minutes for runners and two hours for walkers. For everyone, it’s a day of charitable fun. Since its inception, it has drawn tens of thousands of supporters and inspired other cities to create their own such fun-run. For instance, San Francisco’s first Great Gorilla Run¹ was held this year on June 10. A total success!

In addition to its amazing cause, what makes the London race such a treat is its route, which takes participants past many of the city’s most impressive sights, including Tower Bridge and The Tate Modern. For spectators, the route can be joined by a number of tube stations.

THE ROUTE
Starting at the London Underwriting Centre off Mincing Lane, EC3R, the route goes down Mark Lane to Tower Hill (1), onto Tower Bridge Rd. (2), then loops around to King William Street to Upper Thames Street (3). It then goes down Southwark Bridge Rd. to Bankside Jetty, onward to Hopton Street, where a turn is made up New Bridge Street to start the way back to Paul’s Walk and up Porter’s Hill. It continues to Queen Victoria Street (4), to Cornhill (5) and Leadenhall Street; then makes a hard left down Aldgate (6) to Fenchurch Street to Dunster Court, and back to Mark Lane. Fini!

TUBE STATIONS AND HOTELS
Runners and their supporters coming to London for the run will find well-located accommodation, and an assortment of tourist attractions, around these tube stations.

1. Tower Hill
Attraction: Tower of London, famed prison, palace and place of execution, royal history is steeped in it.

2. London Bridge Station
Attraction: Tate Modern (Upper Thames Street), across St. Paul’s Cathedral.

3. Monument
Attraction: The Monument, the tallest freestanding stone column in the world at 202 feet, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

4. Mansion House
Attraction: Mansion House (Palace of the London Mayor).

5. Bank
Attraction: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, plus St. Peter upon Cornhill, St. Michael’s Church Cornhill, and St. Katharine Cree Church.

6. Aldgate
Attraction: St. Botolph’s Church-Without-Aldgate (250 year-old church, built by George Dance the Elder, who also built the Mansion House.)

THE FEE?
For spectators, it’s of course free. Just bring your cheers. To partake in the “iconic charity fun run” however, it costs £100 for first-time runners/walkers, a fee which covers registration, a donation to the Gorilla Organization, and your gorilla suit. After the race, it’s yours to keep. (www.gorillas.org/GreatGorillaRun/)

Each participant’s goal is to be sponsored £400. To make it simple, find 20 people to sponsor for just £20 and you’ve met the goal.

GO APE!
In 2003, the very first Great Gorilla Run was held as a way to bring awareness to a critically-endangered species. Today, the determination to help is strong as ever and it’s quite clear that that support will always be there, so long as there is the need. Of course hopefully one day, there won’t be. Until that day though, be part of the effort and Go Ape!

After the fun-run, an after-party will take place for all runners/walkers and their friends. The location is currently under wraps, but it will be in central London. Tickets for runners are £5 and for others, just £10. All money raised from tickets will of course to go the Gorilla Organization (www.gorillas.org/_Shop/_GGR_Party).

Ben Jackson (the chap behind TubeHotels) is running for the gorillas. Please sponsor him.

^{* 2006 Great Gorilla Run, London. Photos reprinted with permission of the Gorilla Organization.
1 San Francisco’s inaugural race, also organized by the Gorilla Organization.}