To kick off December and get in the festive spirit, Dorothy House Hospice Care is inviting registrations for its fourth annual 6km Santa Dash on Sunday 7 December.
It’s hoped the event, which attracted almost 154 runners last year, will see a record number of entrants complete an all-terrain course to and from the Winsley based hospice grounds.
Emily Knight, Dorothy House Community Fundraiser, says it’s an event for all levels of ability: “We welcome serious runners as well as people who are just giving this distance a go to help raise funds for Dorothy House. As part of the registration fee Dorothy House gives you an early Christmas gift – a Santa outfit which you will be expected to wear!”
There’s no need to worry about which running top or lycra leggings to wear as each runner will be kitted out in Santa trousers, jacket, belt, hat and beard! One size fits all and the trousers have a drawstring waist for that comfort fit!
Registration is £15 and it’s hoped all runners will collect a minimum of £25 in sponsor money.
Emily added, “This year we are making it truly a family affair by having a fancy dress parade for the under 11s. We are looking forward to seeing lots of little elves, reindeer and festive characters parading whilst the Santas are being put through their paces. The parade will culminate in cheering the Santas home. The course takes in a road, canal towpath, a field and a ‘bit’ of a hill” says Emily. “The event starts at 11am and we hope most runners will be back and finished by 1pm – just in time to get your Sunday roast in the pub or at home!”
A newby to the organisation and event will be Dorothy House Chief Executive, John Davies, who will be donning his red suit and taking part for the first time. ‘I have started training in readiness for the challenge. Day one at 6am, dark and rather chilly outside and I am questioning the wisdom of my decision, running shoes still slightly damp…but it’s the Santa Dash and worth this pain and I remind myself it’s for the best cause in the world, Something tells me I am a little mad, but it’s not all about winning!”
You can register for the Santa Dash at www.dhsantadash.co.uk
