Area manager Luke Jones and 11 of his managers from Buckinghamshire and Surrey collected the Spartan Winners’ Cup for their efforts.
Some 114 pubs from Stonegate’s southern division took part in a fundraising marathon over a two-month period.
The pubs staged collections, raffles and sponsored events with the top pubs getting a place on one of the eight Spartan chariots that took to the streets of London for a five-mile, two-heat race around the capital. The fastest chariot from each heat then competed against each other.
Pushing through pain
Jones said: “It was thrilling to win the race but boy, were we shattered. Being a finalist meant we cycled 10 miles in total and our winning time in the final was 32 minutes and 40 seconds.
“The atmosphere and camaraderie on the day was inspiring with all participants dressed in full Spartan regalia, it was a sight to be seen.
“As we pushed through the pain barrier, we never lost sight of the reason why we were pedalling like crazy to win, and to finish the day with a staggering £61,500 was celebrated by all those involved at our pub the Minories in the City of London.”
Cancer Research UK local fundraising manager Cally Cardines lauded the efforts from Stonegate in raising the money.
Enormous progress
Cardines said: “We are extremely grateful for all the time and effort invested by Stonegate’s staff and customers.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who was raised funds towards this amazing total so far.
“Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters like Stonegate Pub Company, without whom, we would not be able to fund our research.”
