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The Grand, York General Manager Adam Dyke is running 5K every day throughout October to raise money and awareness for Hospitality Action.
Dyke will complete the distance on each of the month’s 31 days, covering a total of 155km in support of the charity, which provides financial, emotional and practical assistance to current and former hospitality workers.
The challenge marks a personal milestone for Dyke, who a year ago was unable to complete a 5K without stopping and can now cover the distance in under 30 minutes.
Throughout October, he is also inviting colleagues and people from across York’s hospitality sector to join him for individual runs, walks or jogs.
On 10 October, World Mental Health Day, Dyke will be joined by colleagues from The Grand, York at Poppleton Parkrun, with other members of the city’s hospitality community encouraged to take part.
Dyke said: “This challenge means far more to me than just running. I’ve held myself accountable to run as much as I can this year and, lo and behold, each run has gotten easier. Encouraging myself to go for a run hasn’t come naturally but seeing the improvements, both mentally and physically, has been incredible and motivated me to keep going.
“In a way, running and hospitality have a lot in common. You have to keep showing up even when you feel tired, and you see improvement through consistency. The industry can be demanding, but it has so much to give. It’s given me so much and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Dyke said the challenge is also intended to encourage hospitality workers to take time away from their workplaces and focus on their own wellbeing.
He added: “Hospitality Action does incredible work for people in our industry, so if this challenge can help raise some money while also encouraging a few people to get moving or talk about their own experiences, it will absolutely be worth it.
“I’d love for anyone across the industry to join me for a run over the next month – and if running isn’t your thing, come and walk, jog, or just turn up. Our aim is to get hospitality workers from across the city to get step away, get outside and enjoy a proper break outdoors this October.”
Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, said: “Running 5K every day for an entire month is a fantastic feat of endurance, particularly alongside the demands of running a busy hotel.
“As someone who knows first-hand the pressures and rewards of working in hospitality, Adam understands just how important it is that we look after the people who make our industry what it is. Everyone at the charity will be following Adam’s progress throughout October and we wish him the very best of luck.”
The Grand, York team has also created a collection of walking, running and cycling routes for hotel guests and local residents to explore the city.
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Hospitality Action research found that 65% of managers who had experienced a mental health issue said work had been the trigger, providing direct context to Dyke’s focus on wellbeing alongside his fundraising challenge.
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Mark Lewis to Step Down as Hospitality Action CEO in March 2027
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