Time is running out for locals to enter Dorothy House’s 8th annual Santa & Elf Run, which will be taking place at Bath Spa University on Sunday 9th December.
The 2.5k or 5k fun run is open to all ages and will be held at Bath Spa University near Corston.
Last year almost 300 runners took part in the fun run and raised over £11,000 of vital funds to support the work of the hospice, and the charity is hoping to exceed this sum during the 2018 event.
The 2018 Santa and Elf Run has temporarily moved to a new venue at the Bath Spa University and local people are invited to join in the fun and run or walk either the 2.5km or 5km route with adults dressed as Santa and children as Christmas Elves.
The race is open to the whole family and will include rural footpaths, passing by a castle, a lake, a garden temple and there’ll be an exciting Snow Station to run through in the scenic grounds.
Families, friends and supporters are being invited to cheer the runners on and sprinkle biodegradable snow on them as they pass.
Festive fancy dress is being encouraged for all and refreshments will be available to buy at the university’s Refectory.
The fun run starts at 11am on 9th December, with registration from 10am and a warm-up session at 10.50am.
Entry costs £15 for 12+ years and £7.50 for 5-11 year olds. All 12 + year old participants will receive a Santa suit at registration and 5-11 year olds will receive an Elf hat included in their entry fee plus free refreshments after the run.
All runners aged 16 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
All adult entrants are asked to raise £40 in sponsorship or make a donation of £40 in lieu of sponsorship to help support Dorothy House Hospice Care.
Sensible footwear is a must and as the route is mainly gravel or tarmac it is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs but be aware there is a hill towards the end. Entries close at 5pm on Thursday 6th December.
After the Santa & Elf Run, runners and spectators are invited to visit nearby Newton Farm Foods shop and café (BA2 9BT) for a Crafts and Carols event in aid of Dorothy House.
The event features festive food, drink and craft stalls plus families can meet Santa Claus and ride around the village on ‘Chuffy the train.’
The event runs from 11am-3.30pm with carols from 2.30pm.
Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser at Dorothy House Hospice Care said of the Santa and Elf Run: “This is the perfect event for all members of the family as well as more serious runners as the fun run has both a 2.5k and 5k route.
“We can’t wait to see all the Santa’s and Elves enjoying our exciting new course to raise money for their local Hospice. Why not sign up the whole family!”
Amanda Dow, from Leigh on Mendip near Radstock said: “I’m looking forward to taking part in the Santa & Elf Run with my two children and close friends. This is the second year I have done the fun run to raise funds for Dorothy House.
“I’m running in memory of my dear Mum, Hilary Fisher who was cared for by the amazing staff at the Hospice near Bradford on Avon. I’d highly recommend signing up for the run, there’s a fun atmosphere for all ages and it’s great to be able to give something back for such a fantastic cause.”
Dorothy House provides free, palliative and end of life care for people living with a life-limiting illness in Wiltshire, Bath & North East Somerset and Somerset.
To sign up for the event, visit www.santaandelfrun.org.uk.
