Ho Ho Ho – it’s
CHESHIRE will host its first ever Santa Dash in aid of Sandbach charity Railway Children.
Hundreds of people dressed as Santa Claus will be pounding the pavements of Nantwich Town Centre on December 20.
People of all ages and levels of fitness are invited to take part in the hilarious festive event which includes a 2.5km fun run and 5km race.
Aimed at everyone from college students to school children, gym enthusiasts, mum, dads, grandparents and work colleagues, the goal is for people to enjoy the feel good factor of Christmas and raise money for charity at the same time.
The race, being supported by Cheshire East Council, incorporates one or two laps, starting and finishing at Nantwich Town Square – running through historic streets such as Beam Street, Market Square, Oat Market, Waterlode and Mill Street.
The registration fee is just £15 (or £12.50 for children 10 and under) and this includes a free Santa Suit with long jacket, hood, belt and beard. All finishers will also receive a commemorative medal.
Proceeds will be donated to the charity and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £20 sponsorship.
Mince pies and mulled wine will be available for participants and spectators after the race.
Rob Capener, Head of Marketing and Communications at Railway Children, said: “This unique challenge is within most people’s capabilities and with a bit of training, the 2.5km and 5km distances should easily be achieved. The spirit of the event is ‘taking part’ not ‘winning’ so participants can run, jog or walk.
“This is the first event of its kind in Cheshire so we expect demand for entries to be high.”
Rob described the history of Santa Dashes in the UK: “The country’s first ever centre dash took place in Merseyside and now 5,000 people take part in the famous event every year. But it is New York that holds the world record –with 13,000 Santas running through the Big Apple.
“We are hoping for hundreds to take part in our annual Cheshire event so that we can raise thousands of pounds for Railway Children. There is also a prize for the top fundraiser,” he added.
Railway Children works with children in the UK, India and Africa. The Cheshire-based charity was founded 14 years ago by David Maidment, from Nantwich.
He said: “We are a locally-based organisation that works with neglected and abandoned street children across the UK. We also have projects in India and Africa.
“Our charity was first named because of the help we provided to runaway and abandoned children living in or around the world's railway stations. We have since grown and now reach out to 15,000 street children around the world every year.
“Money is spent directly on helping these vulnerable young people by providing food, shelter, clothing, medical supplies and education.
“We hope that this fabulous Christmas event in my hometown of Nantwich will make a massive difference to their young lives.”
Santa Dash runners can register for the event and obtain sponsor forms by:
Visiting www.railwaychildren.org.uk
Emailing m.oakes@railwaychildren.org.uk
Calling 01270 757 596 or mobile 0791 293 7224.
Registration payments can be taken by card or cheque made payable to Railway Children.
