Former 1500m world champion Steve Cram officially started the race, with about 100,000 spectators lining the streets of Brighton and Hove.  As he held the winning tape with retired boxer Michael Watson, Kenyan Philemon Kiprop hit the finishing line first in 2:16:07; breaking the course record by three minutes.  He was followed by fellow Kenyan Richard Rotich and Ethiopian Abessy Tolossa.  Great Britain’s Dan Robinson was fourth at 2:19:12. The first woman to finish was Alyson Dixon at 2:34:51; 30 minutes faster than last year’s winner, followed by Lucy Macalister and Julie Briscoe.

Once again, sponsors Office Summer were at the halfway point with their giant yellow inflatable arch; cheering on participants.  “It was fantastic to be amongst cheering spectators; all encouraging runners as they made it past the half way point – an amazing atmosphere to be a part of”, says Director Alasdair Adam.  Many entered into the spirit of running for charity; donning fancy dress outfits to mimic iconic characters such as Superman, Mario and Luigi, Sonic the Hedgehog, Noddy and Fred Flintstone among others.  Not to forget the token stick of Brighton Rock.  With live bands playing along the course, the seaside city was alive and buzzing.

It is predicted that there will be a £15m boost to the city’s economy with the money raised for charities.  Marathon organisers have revealed they plan to increase the number of runners to 20,000 in 2012.  This year, over 230 Local, National and International charities were involved and 2012 is set to have more charities on board; including Albion in the Community, the NSPCC and Hope for Children.

The Tower of London has played a prominent role in England’s history and now it can also play host to your summer 2011 event in the exciting new Pavilion marquee.

Just a short walk from Tower Hill Station, The Pavilion offers the very best in summer entertaining. The bespoke structure not only complements the surroundings but also offers a unique venue experience for your guests, set within the North Moat, an area of the Tower closed to visitors.

A fully installed sound, lighting and AV system inside combined with the opportunity to host a drinks reception in the Private Garden area with stunning views of the Tower’s world famous North and West facades, makes this venue the perfect location for your special summer event.

The innovative design also offers a separate reception and dining area, enabling two distinctive elements to your event, both with fabulous views of the Tower of London. The garden also features a covered recess, offering an open-fronted appearance with grass floor and decorated pillars, allowing guests to enjoy the atmosphere and idyllic setting under cover, in any weather.

The Office Summer team will be in full force at the half way point with our big yellow race arch, balloons and t-shirts to cheer on the runners in their 13th mile.

Office Summer is dedicated to supporting local charity events as part of our CSR policy – click here to read more.

Alasdair Adam, Director

“I am very proud to be a director of a number of creative and talented people who genuinely care about delivering superb events for our customers.”

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Marie-Lyse Beau – Event Manager

“As Event Manager I really get to feel the impact of the our parties as I arrive with the clients as the production crew are finishing up.

When walking through our events with the client I can see how excited they are about the different elements of the entertainment which makes all the detailed planning worth its while.

Every day is different on the Office Summer team and working with such vibrant and passionate people is a pleasure.”

Amy Wilson – Account Manager

“The task of organising our busy team and moving around the country with our production equipment is huge, however the buzz on-site is amazing and I love getting stuck in and being creative to ensure our parties are a success.

After speaking with our clients on the build up to the events it’s great to see them on the night as their guests walk in and they are so impressed with the results.”

Kate Robertson, Account Manager

“My passion for events began when I worked as a set designer and stage manager in local theatre productions.

Since then being part of the Office Summer team over the past couple of years has taken me on a thrilling journey. I love to visit new venues,  and its great when we come across superb outdoor spaces that are ideal for our clients needs.”

Vicky Shields – Account Manager

“I started at Office Summer last year after moving from Glasgow to Brighton and within a week I fell in love with the job.

I started the role coordinating Christmas parties for our sister company Office Christmas, I have loved the transition from Christmas to summer where the briefs are completely different!”

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Kat Lawler – Account Support

“After coordinating our Christmas parties in 2010 I am looking forward to the challenge of  planning summer events for my clients.

I studied a degree in Contemporary Theatre Practice and my first experience in events was when I was involved in a touring production. Since then my passion has grown and I thoroughly enjoy creating the perfect summer events to suit my clients briefs.”

Lisa Busby – Content and Marketing Executive

“Office Summer is fuelled by the quality and flexibility of its team members. Our highest priority has always been exceeding our client’s expectations and we work together to ensure this is achieved at every single one of our events.

Every event we organise is different, from family fun days with their fun school sports day and Olympic challenge  activities  to themed summer balls and banquets and its our ability to be flexible and create the event of our clients dreams that makes me proud to be a member of the Office Summer team.”

Sarah Harris-Smith – Theming Coordinator

“The creative side of my role is something that I really enjoy, putting together a themed party where I have an opportunity to work closely with my clients to create and manage their event gives me a real buzz.

Whether I’m planning a Christmas party, summer ball or wedding I ensure that every detail is planned and delivered in a professional yet friendly manner.

Sourcing and coordinating the theming for our summer parties such as our Hawaiian Luau and Brazilian Carnival is a fantastic challenge which I thoroughly enjoy”

Vicky Hogg – Product Manager

“The beauty of Office Summer is the can-do mentality from the team that makes our events really stand out. With such a varied collection of backgrounds from events, arts and PR, we’re able to tick all the boxes to produce a successful, meaningful event.

You might see me crawling around with my humongous camera snapping away on the day, capturing great shots of your guests enjoying their summer party.  Flash me a smile!”

Simply send us pictures of your home-grown sunflowers along with measurements to info@officesummer.co.uk to win £250 high street shopping vouchers.

Kate and Amy from the Office Summer team with their home-grown sunflowers

This package is ideal for companies looking for a special way to thank their colleagues and clients this summer in a relaxed and sociable environment.

Upgrade your party with live music, a champagne reception or even a chocolate fountain or, keep things simple, the choice is yours.

Party Includes:

* Exclusive venue hire
* Cocktails on arrival
* Two Course BBQ Buffet
* Garden Games
* DJ and Disco
* Full event management

Click here to find out more and make an enquiry!

Great Fosters is a very distinguished hotel in Surrey with luxurious modern facilities, perfect for summer parties and business meetings.

Set in 50 acres of formal gardens and parkland, you’ll discover a vast lake, a grand lawn leading to an avenue of lime trees, a grassed amphitheatre, and an enchanting Wisteria-draped Japanese bridge linking to a sunken rose garden and tranquil lily pond.

Great Fosters offers a variety of meeting rooms, as well as a heated outdoor swimming pool, which is available to hire.

Location:

Located just off J13 of the M25 and within five miles of Egham mainline station, the venue offers excellent links to road networks, international airports and central London.

Click here for more information or to contact Office Summer about holding your summer event at Great Fosters.

Plan for rain.

Whilst a warm, sunny day is desirable for your summer event, it’s important to make arrangements to ensure your guests have just as much fun even if it rains. If you’re organising outdoor activities such as archery or laser clays arrange for some indoor activities also. It might be an idea to keep the theme of the activity similar to that planned, for example; set-up a big screen and Wii with computer game versions of the original. If you’re arranging a BBQ, make sure its sheltered, or there are alternative indoor cooking facilities. For your guests, it’s always a good idea to provide shelter whatever the weather as even the hot sun can be a little too much. If your event is in a big open space, hire a marquee for guests to keep their belongings and network during down-time.

If you really are set on ensuring your event is on a hot sunny day the Met-Office offers a paid-for service which provides forecasts up to 1 month ahead – Click here for details.

Choose beverages wisely.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy delicious local ciders and beers or treat guests to Pimms and summery cocktails, however with summer parties often spanning from day into the evening this allows for excess in drinking. If you’re serving cocktails add a touch more juice than a regular bar would or maybe offer ‘mocktails’ with no alcohol included – just as tasty and great for your budget. If you’re including a beer tent offer bottled water too. Finally try not to advertise the event as having a ‘free-bar’ instead provide your guests with free drinks token and limit the number each guest receives.

Be original.

Summer is the time for fun and if you’re treating your colleagues or clients to a summer event it’s great to make it as original and different as possible. From booking hospitality at a sporting event such as Wimbledon, Royal Ascot or even the Grand-Prix to organising your own action-packed themed summer party it’s great to choose an event that your guests haven’t experienced before.

What a delectable way to spend a summer’s day. Our Very English Summer themed party package is a relaxed and informal summer event, ideal for annual company social gatherings.

Guests arrive to trays of fruity mocktails and the soulful sounds of the jazz band. Try your hand at the summer party games with an archery tournament under supervision of professional athletes or try something altogether more relaxing with a game of croquet on the lawn.

Classic summer party dining will whet your guests appetites as the BBQ fires up, serving succulent food accompanied by a bountiful buffet with something for everyone to enjoy.

Visit the delightful strawberries and cream tent for something sweet to finish as the afternoon turns to dusk and the band raises the tempo to bring the company summer party alive.

The team, consisting of Paul Williams (Team Leader), Alasdair Adam, Sarah-Jayne Williams, James Stenning, Kate Robertson, Claire Buckley, Sophie Parry, Ben Corlett and Lisa Busby are all training hard with daily bike rides to and from work and also plenty of swimming and yoga to improve flexibility and avoid injury.

“We’re delighted to be working hard to achieve our own personal fitness goals as well as raising money for such a worthy charity.” Paul Williams (Team Leader)

To sponsor the team and raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation please visit http://original.justgiving.com/teammillennia