Calling Santas, young and old, big and small! It’s that time of year again…
YMCA East Surrey is holding it’s annual Santa Run in Reigate’s Priory Park on Sunday 5 December. Runners will be grabbing their red suits, white beards and trainers and taking to the park for some festive fitness and fundraising.
Races will begin at 10:30 with a 3-mile Adult race through the park and on quiet surrounding roads for 16-year olds and above, followed by a 1-mile Junior race within the park for 8 to 15-year olds wishing to run on their own. Completing the event will be the 1-mile ‘Family Run’, in which parents or grandparents can run with all children over 4 years old to make the day a memorable experience for the whole family.
All adults in the Family run have the option of either registering and receiving a Santa suit and medal (the children love it when the adults dress up too!) or running without a Santa suit at no charge alongside registered child(ren).
Warming refreshments will be available, and medals are presented to every Santa who finishes the race. The first, second and third girl and boy in the 1-mile Junior run will receive trophies, as well as the first, second and third male and female in the Adult 3-mile race.
“We are humbled by the support that the Santa Run receives every year,” says YMCA Chief Executive, Ian Burks. “Whether children pester their parents, or the parents encourage their children to take part, each December we welcome hundreds of runners with smiles on their faces who have joined us to have fun and raise money.”
This year, all funds raised from the Santa Run and from sponsorship donations will help support the YMCA’s Yippee short break playschemes for children with disabilities and complex needs. These specialist schemes not only provide hours of fun and exciting activities, but also give families a vital break.
If you would like to take part in the Santa Run, please secure your place at www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk/santa-run. Entries can book up quickly and it isn’t always possible to sign up on the day, so get in as early as you can to avoid disappointment.
Prefer the role of spectator? Then come along anyway and support the Santas. ‘Yule’ have a blast!
