Run Zopa
On Sunday 1st July, various members of the Zopa Team will be competing in the British 10k race through the streets of London.
The aim is to raise as much money for Trust for Africa’s Orphans, our chosen charity, as possible.
Trust for Africa’s Orphans (TAO) is a UK-registered charity, which provides help and assistance to orphans and the families who care for them in Africa. TAO does this by managing small, sustainable farming projects at grass-roots level, through which participating families can earn money to improve their living standards, and, in many cases, produce more and better food for their own needs. They have also operated health education, vocational training and water management projects.
It’s a great cause, and you can make a donation by sending a cheque made out to TAO to Charity Funrun, Zopa, 3rd Floor, Radiant House, 36-38 Mortimer Street, London, W1W 7RG.
And if you’re interested in the runners and riders, here’s my form guide:
Simon - 3/1 - Simon, our legal counsel, is joint favourite for two reasons: firstly, as an ex-rower, he takes his fitness very seriously indeed; and secondly, he’s Australian, and Australians hate losing more than they hate warm beer. Poor form in recent 5k may worry some punters though.
Drew - 3/1 - with marathon-experience behind him, and his very own personal fitness instructor in the form of his fiance (who, by the way, is an international athlete), Drew has to be taken very seriously indeed. The only slight worry is that as an Arsenal fan, has he come to regard losing as almost inevitable?
Tracey - 5/1 - the sole representative of the Tipton office, and what a representative. A keen jogger with plenty of marathon experience, Tracey looks set to be there or thereabouts when it comes down to it. A sure-fire fan favourite, whether she wins or not.
Diarmid - 10/1 - a relative newbie at Zopa HQ, which makes him quite a dark horse. Not much is known about his sporting prowess, but he remains quietly confident when quizzed and has the look of a man for whom pain is never a barrier. But not in a sinister way, mind.
Aidan - 12/1 - a Geordie with a love of walking, Aidan could be a good outside bet for those punters looking for better odds. Aidan also has the advantage of being born an American, which means he, like Simon, hates to lose - because losers suck. Period.
Siobhan - 12/1 - a great each way bet. Siobhan has a lot of strengths - keen gym-goer, yoga enthusiast, doesn’t eat meat - but a couple of big weaknesses - smokes like a chimney, and may suffer from a lack of focus caused by excessive worrying about her new cats. Don’t bet your house on her, but well worth a cheeky punt.
Tim - 14/1 - Tim, Zopa’s CTO, is certainly one to watch. A recent convert to Yoga, with previous fun-run experience and a penchant for healthy eating, Tim and those backing him will be hoping his tuna and bean sprouts diet can power him to victory.
James A - 14/1 - an interesting one for punters. An outdoorsy-type, with a passion for cycling, James could be up there. A slight concern for punters is whether he’ll be able to spend more than 30 minutes outside without stopping to do some bird-watching.
Clint - 15/1 - you don’t get the nickname ‘Tough Guy’ for nothing. Clint grew up in the Bush, and moved to the UK at a young age to pursue a boxing career. Notorious around the gyms of deepest, darkest South London, Clint is a determined character. The only question mark hanging over him is whether he’ll be able to stop watching TV/talking about TV shows/doing impressions of people on TV shows long enough to complete the course.
Donna - 15/1 - an outsider, but a glamorous one at that. Donna will add a touch of showbiz glitz to proceedings, and will almost certainly be the best dressed competitor. In terms of her chances, if she necks a couple of Samuel Smiths’ own-brand tequilas before the race she might just be in with a shout.
Simon DJ
Posted on June 20th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Stop press! Diarmaid commutes 20 miles a day on his bicycle and loves playing squash. Must make him odds-on.