More than 30 runners from across Plymouth’s business community, now known as the “Pink Army”, are set to take on the upcoming Plymouth Half Marathon and 10K, raising vital funds for local charity Gifted Women.
The initiative is being led by Ali at Total Energy Solutions, following his solo effort last year where he raised over £6,000 for the charity. This year, the challenge has grown into something much bigger a collective effort bringing together businesses, colleagues and friends, all running for a shared cause, with an ambitious target of raising over £25,000.
Ali, a well-known face in the local community and winner of the Business in the Community Award at the YMCA Plymouth Community Awards, has played a key role in bringing the initiative together. Total Energy Solutions is proud to be leading and supporting the team.
Businesses from across the city have stepped forward to get involved, including Go South West, Acronyms Ltd, Brewin Dolphin, Dowrick Electrical, Make Carbon Sense, Figure 8 Consulting, Womble Bond Dickinson, Theatre Royal, The Life Centre, Woollcombe Yonge and many more highlighting the strength of Plymouth’s business community when it comes together behind a meaningful cause.
Gifted Women works to unlock doors to employment for women overcoming multiple disadvantage, supporting those rebuilding their lives after experiences such as homelessness, problematic substance use, and contact with the justice system. Through one-to-one support, skills development and partnerships with local employers, the charity helps create pathways into employment, building stability, independence and opportunity.
Employment sits at the heart of this work, not just as a job, but as a route to dignity, confidence and a future shaped by choice.
Ali said:
“Last year was an amazing experience, but also quite personal. After meeting some of the women who have been through the programme, I was incredibly moved. Hearing their stories and seeing the journeys they are on really stayed with me. It made me feel like I needed to do more — to raise the profile of this charity and help create more awareness for the work they do.
This year, it felt right to open it up and get more people involved. The response has been incredible. Seeing so many businesses and individuals step forward and understand the impact that this charity is making really shows what Plymouth is about.
I’m really encouraged to see so many men taking part in support of a charity that works alongside women rebuilding their lives. It shows a shared commitment across the community to be part of something positive.”
Lucy Linn, CEO of Gifted Women, added:
“We are excited and delighted to see Ali’s enthusiasm and the way he has brought together his network of contacts and friends to support us. This kind of community effort makes a real difference and helps us continue our work alongside women across Plymouth.”
The event, organised by Run Plymouth, takes place on Sunday 17 May 2026, starting and finishing on Plymouth Hoe Promenade as part of the city’s wider running festival.
Supporters are encouraged to look out for the team on race day they will be hard to miss in their bright pink t-shirts as they take on the course across the city.
If you would like to support the team, you can donate via the JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/gifted-women-run
As race day approaches, the team is not just preparing for the miles ahead, but for the impact they hope to make for women across Plymouth.