The sun was shining over an array of swaying Santa hats on Thursday 1 December here at Granta Park, as the eighth edition of the popular Santa Run took place in aid of EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices).
At 12pm it was ready, set, GO, and we were off! As always there was a lovely, diverse and inclusive mix, as some participants thundered around the 2.5k route and some meandered. Whether running, walking or jogging, there were smiles a-plenty on the picturesque grounds of the Park.
Some of the surging Santa's were competing for the prize of the fastest finisher, but an observer may have been forgiven for noticing a scarcity of outfits, but this wasn’t to gain an edge in the race or to be more aerodynamic.
This year, the contestants were encouraged to re-use previous outfits or to simply use Santa hats rather than Santa suits. This was to limit the amount of waste and promote sustainability, something that is in the consciousness of Granta Park’s owners and event sponsors, BioMed Realty.
BioMed Realty have been championing this cause all year, having taken such steps as offsetting 142K metric tonnes of C02 emissions as well as protecting and preserving the natural features within Granta Park.
Before the runners reached the finish line, they met the inflatable obstacle section of the course, with many bouncing, wobbling and floundering through to the finish.
After the event, the runners were warmed further by the local children of Great Abington Primary School Choir, performing a few rousing hymns outside the Pavilion before everyone headed back to work or school, refreshed and happy to have helped such an amazing charity like EACH.
Lottie Driver, corporate fundraiser at EACH, said: “It was – and always is – such a fun event at Granta Park. Our thanks to everyone who donned fancy dress and Santa hats and got in the spirit for EACH, as well as to BioMed Realty for sponsoring the event. “Seeing everyone dressed up and having fun whilst Christmas tunes were playing was just fantastic, and it’s brilliant that so many people got involved and were willing to support us. We’re still working out the final total raised but it’s safe to say that it’s a significant amount – money that will help us continue our work supporting families, children and young people across Cambridgeshire.”
You can find out more on the wonderful work that EACH do here.
Dec 2022
Written By Joe McMenamin