Page 32 - Oxted Local December 2024

32 December 2024
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Oxted Local 
01883 708 166 www.oxtedlocal.co.uk www.facebook.com/oxtedlocalmagazine www.instagram.com/oxtedlocal
All ho ho go for the
YMCA East Surrey
Santa Run
YMCA East Surrey is inviting families to join its spectacular Santa Run,
taking place at Reigate Priory Park, Bell Street, Reigate on the morning
of Sunday December 15 2024.
Participants will be jogging alongside 550 suited Santas in safely
designated circuits. There is a 1-mile race designed for families with
young children aged four and over and another 3-miler for all-comers
aged 16 plus.
All who complete a circuit gain a medal, with trophies for the first three
Santas over the finishing line in the 3 mile run.
The good news for busy parents is that the Santa suits are included
at no extra cost when they sign up to the run at £12.50 per person.
They can be collected simply from the YMCA East Surrey HQ at the
Community Centre in Princes Road, Earlswood, Surrey or from Priory
Park on the day of the event.
Ian Burks, Chief Executive for YMCA East Surrey said, “Parents and
carers love the Santa Run because it encourages children to get active
for a fun purpose. This is a great event for everyone – no matter how
seriously you take your running. We welcome Santas of every ability.
Just bring a big smile and help us get the festive season off to a great
start. It’s a highlight for local residents too, who come to cheer on the
smiling Santas.”
Participants are encouraged to set up their own fundraising page and
all proceeds from the event contribute to the Life Change Fund, set up
to transform young lives in East Surrey by opening doors to a brighter
future.
The Life Change Fund supports
the charity’s housing projects,
such as newly-opened move-on
accommodation for young people
in Redhill. Funds will contribute
to a £100k target to pay for
refurbishment costs and furniture
for individual bedrooms and
communal areas.
Ian Burks added, “As the year
draws to a close, it’s time to
reflect on the incredible people
who make up the YMCA team
of staff, volunteers and trustees.
Their unwavering commitment
makes it possible to put on such
a large, light-hearted event as the
Santa Run, which in turn enhances
the lives of young people in
our community. In addition, we
must thank Reigate & Banstead
Borough Council, custodians of the
historic Priory Park.”
As a registered charity, the
YMCA East Surrey is grateful to
participants and keeps all event
prices as low as possible to ensure
that everyone has the chance to
take part. Prospective Santa Run
supporters are encouraged to
sign up soon as there are limited
entries for this popular annual
Christmas fixture.
YMCA East Surrey is a vibrant,
local charity that helps vulnerable
children, young people and
adults to belong, contribute and
thrive. Its wide range of projects
and activities aim to help create
happy, healthy and connected
communities. The ethos is that
everyone should have a fair chance
to discover who they are and what
they can become.
Please visit:
www.ymcaeastsurrey.
org.uk/santa-run