Early call for entries to Marlow's 19th Santa Fun Run

Whether you believe the end of summer is approaching or not, entry for the annual Santa’s Fun Run in Marlow is now open.

All three Rotary Clubs in Marlow are involved in running the event for its 19th year, and runners and walkers are encouraged to sign up on the website.

This year the two lead charities are the Wycombe Homeless Connection and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Marlow Thames Rotary Club president Julian Rhodes said: “On Sunday, December 3 we want the course to be a sea of red Santas.

“We want to create a fantastic fun weekend that includes teams from local businesses, schools, churches, charities, scout and guide groups, families, neighbourhoods, clubs – all running or walking for a great cause. Come and join us.”

Entrants can organise teams to raise money for their own favourite charities or for Rotary selected charities.

The £10,000 ‘charity pool’, which was introduced in 2021, is sponsored by The Shanly Foundation, Softcat, The Clare Foundation, The Heart of Bucks Foundation, Bucks New University and The ACI Group.

Clare Junak, awards officer at Shanly Foundation said: “The Marlow Santa’s Fun Run has long been a part of the Marlow calendar, and we are proud to have been the lead sponsor for five years now.

It is difficult to think of many not-for-profit events that have such an iconic appeal – and long may it continue”.

Entries booked before November 16 will be charged £18 for adults and £9 for young people aged 5-17. Children under five go free.

Afterwards, the entry price increases to £25 per adult and £10 for each young person.

Santa suits can only be collected on the event day for entries made after this date.

Any team entering and raising money for a charity, and raising £50, can secure an additional £50 for their charity.

Subject to rules, if the team raises more than £500, the chosen charity could qualify for a share of the remaining 'Charity Pool' balance.

The event is at 9.20am on Sunday, December 3 at Higginson Park.

Entrants can arrive from 8am on the day.

John Prout, organising committee chair, said: “We are really excited about the 2023 event.

“All of this money goes to charities chosen by entrants, and we encourage all local charities to think about entering a team.

"Last year a good number of PTAs entered teams – and some ended up figures in excess of £1000. Whilst rules do apply, we quite simply want to give this money away.”

The website is now open, and fully explains how the 2023 event will work. Entries can now be made at:www.santasfunrun.org