The Emscote Run is an annual fundraising pub crawl organised by a group of friends, running from Warwick’s Market Square to Leamington Spa along the iconic Emscote Road route.
The challenge is to visit 12 pubs, enjoy a drink at each, complete challenges, follow the strict rules, and run between every stop. Last year marked the 16th consecutive Emscote Run, with the group raising vital funds for The Myton Hospices.
Tom Keeling, one of the organisers, reflected on the event:
It’s only about three miles, but somehow it feels like 10 by the end! The run started when we were younger – someone suggested Emscote Road was a decent pub crawl route, and that was all the inspiration we needed. From there, the planning began, rules were created and we decided it had to be the toughest pub crawl we’d ever done. Our principle from the start has been simple: no cheating, keep it moving, keep it challenging, and keep the spirit alive!
Each year, 12 or 13 lifelong friends take part, with the occasional new addition. Tom added:
We like to think we’re a friendly, welcoming bunch but when we’re together, our combined brain cells form a low-IQ hive mind! It’s a close-knit group, so it can be tough for newcomers to join in. But this year, our friend Nick embraced the spirit fully and passed with flying colours!
Last year’s runners were Tom Keeling, Jack Keeling, Prav Sancee, Aaron Satchwell, Stu James, Joe Hewison, Sam Smith, Lucas King, Tom Hobman, and Nick Brunton.
The run went brilliantly this year. The weather was on our side, the crowds were out, and we even had two surprise pop-up bars – one near the old Punch Bowl and another further up Emscote Road, set up by a friend who couldn’t run this year. Moments like that keep things exciting for everyone!
Everyone has their favourite moment, but for me, nothing beats that first pint in Market Square – sun shining, anticipation in the air and the whole run ahead of you. At this point, we’re seasoned veterans so it’s mostly just fun… although I did struggle with post-cider gas this year!
The Emscote Run isn’t just about fun – it’s about giving back.
We’ve never considered another charity. Myton is a big part of Warwick. Each year, people share stories of loved ones cared for by Myton, and the generosity and emotion behind those conversations show just how much the hospice means to the community.
The Emscote Run has become as much a part of our lives as Christmas Day. Supporting Myton gives the day a deeper meaning – it’s more than a pub crawl, it’s a tradition with purpose. Their support motivates us to keep going year after year.
This year’s run raised an amazing £1,200, and over the 16-year history of the Emscote Run, the group has raised a truly fantastic £10,000
for The Myton Hospices.
Louise Careless, Community Fundraiser at The Myton Hospices, said:
We are incredibly grateful to Tom and the whole group for their continued support. Finding ways to fundraise whilst having fun and being part of the community is what we’re all about. We couldn’t provide our vital services without supporters like this – thank you!
Did you know…? Each year, it costs over £15 million to continue providing our services free of charge to people living with life-limiting illnesses, and their families.
We are a charity, we are not the NHS, and we have to raise £12.7 million this year alone to continue supporting people across Coventry and Warwickshire – that’s more than £1 million each month.
We rely on our generous community to ensure we can continue to be here for more people when they need us most, now and in the future.
If you would like to start your own fundraising event or challenge for Myton, you can find out more online below!
