AN annual festive fundraiser will be returning to Winchester at the start of next month.
More than 750 people will take part in the annual Naomi House and Jacksplace Santa Fun Run on December 1, which could see as much as £40,000 raised for the charities. This substantial amount of money equates to five whole days of care at Naomi House children's hospice.
The 5k run has grown in popularity over the last eleven years, with the charity needing to find ever-larger venues to accommodate the hundreds of Santas taking part each year.
Keith Wilson, Head of Marketing at the Naomi House and Jacksplace said: “Our Santa Fun Run might just be my favourite event of the year, and the sight of hundreds of Santas jogging past Winchester’s many landmarks really kick starts the festive season in the city. Every participant in the Santa Fun Run will be doing something quite extraordinary to support the region’s most medically complex and vulnerable children. There is still time to sign up with friends and family and I would urge people to do so quickly to secure their place.”
Online entry to the Winchester Santa Run is open until November 27, after this date, runners will need to register on the day. Places cost £20 for adults and £15 for children with free Santa suits provided to each participant. The warm up takes place at 8.30am and the race starts at 9am.
Winchester is not the only place in the region hosting a Santa Run.
IBM Hursley Club House will be holding a 5k fun run for charity Sophie's Choice on December 1 from 11am to 2pm. Additional information on how to take part can be found on the charities website. Santa Suits and a stew served with crusty bread are included in the ticket price.
Beaulieu Motor Museums Volkswagen Santa Run will take place on December 1.
The event will feature classic and custom VW's and will depart from the motor museum at 11.15am
Lord Montagu will drop the chequered flag which will see the convoy off to Southampton General Hospital to donate toys and craft items to the Piam Brown Unit which cares for children with cancer. General admission is open from 10am where visitors will be able to see the VW's before they set off.
Active Warrior's Santa Run event will be held at Southampton Sports Centre on December 8 from 10am. The 3k fun run is a festive and family orientated event and will feature a sledge pull, chimney climb and a present sack carry along with Christmas themed obstacles. Tickets are available for budding participants and is free to watch.
Totton's Santa Run will return for it's forth year on December 8 from 9am. The 2.5k run starts from Empire Hall and will also include a festive fair. Tickets for participants can be booked online and proceeds will go towards supporting the New Forest Scouts.
Lymington's annual Santa Dash will see hundreds of participants take to the streets of the town to complete a 3k lap. Proceeds will go towards Oakhaven Hospice and will start at 11.30am. Booking can be made in advance on the charities website or on the day from 9am. Entry includes Santa Suit.
Royal Victoria Country Park will hold a Santa Paws Run on December 22. Dressing up is optional and dogs on leads are welcome in this run. The event is free though donations to Dog's Trust will be appreciated. There is no need to book.
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