Quick reminder of the change in format for 2020
This year’s Marlow Santa Fun Run will be “Virtually Real”, run over the weekend of the 5th and 6th of December. The gist is:
- Runners decide when AND where they run – as individuals or as teams , subject to rule of 6, as things stand.
- The organisers have 3,000 Santa suits – first come, first served
- For the first time all children aged 5 and over will receive a Santa Suit (subject to availability)
- Prices have been reduced a bit, but of course it all goes to charity! Runners are also invited to obtain sponsorship to boost fundraising.
For lots more detail, see our original article from September!
Full steam ahead!
We have been in contact with the organisers and entry numbers are on the rise, with people having got their heads around the change in format. Some very large teams are being put together (broken down to groups of 6 of course).
The organisers stress that the cut off for entry will be earlier than in previous years due to the logistics in involved in safely packing up the suits for delivery. In other words you had better get a move on, especially if you want a suit! Just head here: www.santasfunrun.org
John Prout (Chair of the Organising Committee) said: “As previously stated we are making available £5,000 for fun prizes – which are actually additional awards to charities nominated by competing runners. The lead charities for 2020 are the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Services and Carers Bucks, and a host of other mainly local charities will also benefit. In such a depressing year this event presents one of very few opportunities for large numbers of people to enter a participation event of scale – and to join with others in lifting a little bit of the current gloom.”
Some FAQs from the organisers
The Rotary Clubs of Marlow wish to address a number questions raised by members of the local community regarding the 2020 Marlow Santa’s Fun Run.
Foremost the organisers wish to assure that the 2020 Marlow Santas Fun Run will take place over the weekend of December 5th and 6th – but as previously stated in a way that ensures compliance with the Covid rules as they apply now, and as they are likely to apply in the future.
Specific questions posed are covered by this FAQ:
QUESTION: In some social media commentary there is uncertainty as to whether the event will take place. Can you comment?
ANSWER: We are unsure where this uncertainty came from, but we can say the event will definitely take place as described on the website. The run (or walk) will occur over the weekend of December 5th and 6th – with small teams “self-managing” their route, start times and compliance with the prevailing Covid rules.
QUESTION: What about the latest Government announcements and restrictions? Surely they have an impact?
ANSWER: The “rule of six” must of course be followed. But the planning for this entirely outdoor event assumed that something like this would occur – so any team consisting of more than 6 participants will need to separate into “bubbles” of 6 or less if required. So we are ready to go and raise lots of money for mainly local charities.
QUESTION: What if things change between now and December 5th & 6th?
ANSWER: We will update our website nearer the time – and we will email all lead entrants before the event. All participants will also get an “advisory” letter when they receive their runner packs. Even in full lock down people were allowed outside to take part in daily exercise – and we have organised this event so that runners can adapt to whatever circumstances appl. We are totally confident that the event will be a great success!
QUESTION: How can charities, clubs, schools, PTAs etc take part?
ANSWER: We think the event is tailor made for these groups. We already have a good number of charities organising small groups to run across the County. And they are already setting up their Virgin Giving pages to raise as much money as possible. In a year when almost all other fund-raising events have ceased this event allows a fantastic opportunity to get together as a group (albeit dispersed) and do something special. And if the weather forecast on Saturday 5th December is terrible – just move it all back to Sunday 6th December!!!
QUESTION: Is it true that the Santa Suits have to be shipped from China?
ANSWER: As far as we know most Santa Suits sold in the UK are supplied from Chinese sources these days. To avoid risks caused by supply chain problems we ordered the suits early and we have 3000 in storage in Marlow – in Adult and Child (5 and over) sizes. However, if demand exceeds 3000 we cannot be confident of securing more supplies in time for the event.
For more detail and to enter as an individual or a team see:
