Smiling Santas take over the town
Festive fun-runners hit the streets to raise money for charities
THE sun was shining as dozens of smiling Santas took to the streets for charity at the weekend.
A total of 89 Santas, along with two canine Clauses, enjoyed the festive fun of the Newbury Rotary Club Santa Fun Run on Sunday.
There was a family-friendly 1km route around Victoria Park, while a longer 5km run took full advantage of a trail around the park, then out through Parkway, Speen and Northcroft.
The mayor of Newbury, Billy Drummond, set the runners on their way at 10.30am from Market Place and was on hand to welcome them back with finishers medals.
The first medal he presented was to a 5k runner, just 30 minutes after they had set off.
A spokesperson for Newbury Rotary Club said: “Throughout the morning Kennet Radio provided a festive atmosphere in the Market Place.
“They also generously provided a pre-event warm-up session delivered by one of their team members – Ian Lamb – who went on to complete the 5k run.
“Thanks to the enthusiasm of Newbury’s Santas and the teams of volunteers, Newbury Rotary will be able to make donations to West Berkshire Therapy Centre, West Berkshire Mencap and Friends of West Berkshire Young Carers.”
Money raised from the entry fees will be split between the Rotary Club’s chosen charities, while runners were also encouraged to use the run to raise funds for their own good causes.
“Newbury Rotary would like to thank the mayor of Newbury, Newbury Phoenix Rotary, Thatcham Rotary, Newbury Lions, Scott Waters Opticians, BST fitness, Visit Newbury, Newbury Town Council, our friends and family.”