Newbury Santa Fun Run 2024

The light drizzle over Newbury Market Place did nothing to dampen the spirits of 166 Santas who took part in Newbury’s annual Santa Fun Run after their pre-run check by the staff at the Waterside Centre.

UHY Ross Brooke, the Fun Run main sponsor, provided refreshments, games and prizes for the younger runners. Cancer Care were also present, selling beautiful calendars and Christmas Cards. Kennet Radio delivered their usual witty commentary and lively entertainment that combined to keep everything running to schedule.

The Mayor of Newbury, Councillor Andy Moore, opened the event with well-chosen words of encouragement before starting the run at 11 am, launching the runners into their chosen options of 1K or 5K circuits.

The Mayor and Lady Mayoress presented every returning Santa with a commemorative medal, the first 5K recipient being Mr Richard Stevens. The much loved pets who jogged alongside their human runners were not forgotten, and Newbury Rotary would like to thank the Ugly Duckling Pottery who donated the prize of a decorated pet bowl for the best dressed Santa Paws.

Although this event is a fund raiser to help Newbury Rotary support our community, each runner also had the opportunity to gain sponsorship for their own favourite charity or good cause. This year saw Burghclere Primary School out in force, with around twenty children and parents set to raise over £300 for playground improvements. Their representative Helen Waters said after the event, “..it was a great success and the children all had a fabulous time..”.

Newbury Rotary expressed their thanks and gratitude to both UHY Ross Brooke and Cancer Care alongside the many volunteers and organisations who made this event possible – our second sponsor Cala Homes, Scott Waters Opticians together with Better Health and Fitness who distributed the Santa Suits, Newbury Lions Club, our friends and family, and of course the Santa Fun Runners with their supporters.

After final accounting, and the record number of registrations this year, Newbury Rotary are looking forward to raising a significant sum that will go their supported charities including Berkshire Youth and the Waterside Centre.