YMCA Santa Run 2022

More than 500 red-suited runners brought some festive brightness to Reigate for YMCA East Surrey’s annual Santa Run.

Marathon hopefuls and pre-schoolers were among competitors of all ages and abilities who turned out in force at Priory Park on Sunday 4 December.

Storming home to take first place in the adult three-mile race was Reigate Priory Athletics Club member, Shane Dowle.

The 40-year-old Reigate resident will be taking part in the London marathon in April, once again raising money for YMCA East Surrey.

“I am so impressed with what this charity offers within the local community,” he said, after receiving his medal and trophy.

“They do so much to support young families and those who are struggling with homelessness and it was a pleasure to run today. I hope to raise as much as possible next year.”

First lady home was Charity Nichols-Chapman, 32, from Epsom.

The one-mile family race produced a hotly contested fight to the finish between 15-year-olds Ben Wyatt and Katie Foss, with Ben taking first place by a narrow margin.

Reigate and Banstead Mayor, Cllr Frank Kelly, a long-time supporter of the charity, was on hand to officially start each race, and presented trophies to the winners.

Ian Burks, chief executive of YMCA East Surrey, said “The need for our services has never been greater as we face the continued fallout from the Covid pandemic, the looming cost of living crisis and the growing conflict in Europe.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who joined us at the Santa Run to help us raise money which will support young people in our local area.”

“We are fortunate to have the support of our amazing staff, volunteers and trustees who not only work so hard to deliver vital charitable services but also volunteer in their spare time to make events like the Santa Run possible.”

The money raised will go towards YMCA East Surrey’s Life Change Fund which supports a range of YMCA services, projects and programmes to help young people build the resilience, belief and confidence to overcome the challenges they face.