YMCA Fun Run attracts nearly 800 racers

Participants from four years of age to over 70-year-olds

Nearly 800 people took part in the annual YMCA East Surrey Fun Run at Reigate Priory Park on Sunday 3 May 2026. 

Councillor Rich Michalowski, Mayor of the Borough of Reigate & Banstead, accompanied by his wife Mayoress Mrs Michelle Gibney, started several of the six different races and assisted in the prize-giving.

The first race was the Adult 5-mile run for participants aged 16-plus.  The first three women across the line were Georgie Bruinvels (Aldershot, Farnham & District), Laura Ebbs (Reigate Priory Athletics Club) and Alice Smith (South London Harriers), who was also the 1^st woman over 60 years of age over the winning line.

George Roux was the fastest man, followed by Callum Milner and Paul Wateridge.  Paul Chandler was the quickest over 70-year-old.

The three quickest women in the adult’s 1-mile race were Laura Ebbs (Reigate Priory AC), Leanne Sandifer and Louisa Bagshaw.  The fastest men were David Mason (Hercules Wimbledon AC), Duncan Mallison (Reigate Priory AC) and Adrian Ng.

In the under 16s 1-mile run, the first three girls across the line were Chloe Mason (Hercules Wimbledon AC), Ayla Milner and Millie McKay (Reigate Priory AC).  The first three boys to finish were Leo Hodgson (Reigate Priory AC), Ted Hards and Benhamin Pickett.

Some runners sported fancy dress for the YMCA fun run

Several participants wore fancy dress costumes including Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy look-alikes, Alan Harding and Mark Eagleton.  The Rogalciuc family wore 101 Dalmatians-themed outfits, with the mother Andra dressed as Cruella de Vil.

Other 1-mile races included the Junior Under 12s, Under 10s, Under 8s and Under 6s, which included children aged just four and five.

Fun runners in the five-mile adult race at Reigate’s Priory Park

Ian Burks, CEO of YMCA East Surrey said, “It’s been a lovely community day.  It’s inspiring to see the kids crossing the line to see how determined they are to do well.  We’re raising a lot of money for the charity’s new housing scheme in Salfords.  All money raised today will go towards our Life Change fund, to help to fit out the new property, assisting young people who would otherwise be facing homelessness.

“I must thank all of our generous volunteers who support us for free as the event couldn’t run without them.  And of course, we are incredibly grateful to Reigate & Banstead Council for allowing us use of the park free of charge and our supportive Mayor, Councillor Rich Michalowski.  We also recognise the input from several event sponsors, in particular Chris Brewer from Brewers Decorators Centres.”

Alongside the fun runs was a borough council-organised Festival of Sport Village with many opportunities for active health including climbing and football.  All fun runs began with a pre-race warm up by fitness expert Nikki Lempidaki and every participant went home with a metal medal and souvenir T-shirt.