Patchway was a sea of festive red and green as the first ever Santa Run took place from Norman Scott Park and across the town on a still Sunday 15th December morning.
Nearly 200 runners of all ages and abilities stepped up to the challenge to run either a 5K or 10k distance that started and finished in Norman Scott Park. Nearly every runner was dressed as Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, an elf, an ‘interesting take’ on Christmas, and even one rather 1970s nod (the adults will understand that one!). And Patchway Town Council’s own Cllr Natalie Field also joined the fun taking on the 10k challenge.
Runners started gathering from 9am, grabbing hot drinks and light snacks from Snack Attacks before all gathering in the car park for a full Santa warm-up and picture opportunity with the Mayor of Patchway, Cllr Dayley Lawrence.
After a countdown, off they went, a blur of red and green heading off for a loop of Scott Park, then around the town once for the 5k runners, and two circuits for the 10k-ers. Local residents were fabulous supporting the runners as they passed through residential roads and green spaces before the finish line back in the Park. The Mayor of Patchway presented every runner with a medal, and a trophy for the winners of each distance and category.
This event is another brainchild of local residents Scott Panschuk of YPB Events and Andy Maxted of Tri-Max Events who successfully launched the Brabazon Half Marathon and 10K event from Patchway in 2024. The local event partners were Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, Patchway Town Council and Snack Attacks in the Park.
Mayor of Patchway, Cllr Dayley Lawrence said, ’Wow Patchway, you have once again showed what a brilliant community you are, how you love to throw yourself into new initiatives, and we are looking forward to an even bigger Santa Run in 2025’.
And if you are interested in pulling on your running shoes again on 6 April 2025 and taking part in either the Brabazon 10k or the Half Marathon, more details and how to register can be found at https://www.brabazonhalfmarathon.co.uk/. The costs are £25 and £40 for each route which includes a chip timing monitor and medal.
Images: Patchway Town Council
16th December 2024
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