Newbury Santa Fun Run 2023

Newbury Rotary Santa Fun Run held on Sunday 26 November 2023

Newbury Rotary Club Santa Fun Run this year was a fantastic success. Over 150 Santas of all ages did the 1K and 5K routes. The 1K route went from the Market Place, around Victoria Park and back whereas the 5K route continued through Park Way and up to picturesque Speen and back through countryside via Moor Lane.

The club thanks all the runners for participating and making it such an enjoyable and worthwhile day. Just under £1,600 was raised which will be shared between Home-Start West Berkshire, Newbury Riding for the Disabled, New Life – Special Care Babies, and Time to Talk.

To put on the event needed close to 40 volunteers. Help came from the Lions, Thatcham Rotary Club and lots of their friends and family plus 2 student sports' leaders from St Barts School. It was a pleasure to welcome Newbury Cancer Care to the Market Place and also a stall from UHY Ross Brooke Accountants who supplied drinks and sweets as the runners finished.

UHY Ross Brooke Accountants must be especially thanked as being the sponsor for this year’s event.

At the check in desk Rotarians, Alison and Kym, did a great job allocating 154 Santas their run number as well selling tickets for the Newbury Rotary Christmas Grand Draw.

Julian Swift-Hook, Ian Lamb and the team from Kennet Radio did their usual excellent job of supplying music and commentary and keeping the whole thing on track.

The Mayor of Newbury with the Lady Mayoress honoured us by starting the Run and presenting runners with Santa Medals at the finish. Before the start the Mayor judged the best dressed Santa pet who was award the 2023 Santa Paws Bowl kindly donated by the Ugly Duckling Pottery.

Some runners used the event to raise money for their own good causes. Patricia Haynes was running in aid of RAWS (Raising Awareness for Williams Syndrome) and there was a group of 7 parents and 13 children from Burghclere Primary School who raised an amazing total of £480 in support of their PTA..

Although not a race, Santas can walk as much as they like, first back from the 1K route was young Arthur Banfield. For the 5K, Ruairidh Livingstone did an astonishing run and was back first.

Winner of the Santa Paws competition was Hungarian Vizla X Poodle, Max, who was with Adriene and Louis Keeble.

To put on such a charity event needs help and support from many in Newbury. Not mentioned so far are The Town Council, Visit Newbury, Scott Waters Opticians and Better Health & Fitness Centre.

For more information about Newbury Rotary Club and becoming a member or to volunteer to help with future events such as these, please call Graeme Leech, 07444 488214, or visit www.newburyrotary.org.

For more photos of the day, see HERE

From Eddie Webb (Santa Fun Run organiser with Tim Pritchard and Phil Kinzett-Evans)

27 November 2023

Tel 07876743033