'Sea of red' descends on Marlow as thousands return for 20th Santa fun run

Photos by Vit Javorik

Exactly 3,000 runners and walkers took to Marlow High Street for the 20th Santa Fun Run at the weekend.

The annual event on Sunday, December 1 run by the Rotary Clubs of Marlow saw more than 2,000 spectators line the route despite gloomy weather. 

Naomi Riches MBE started the race at the bottom of Marlow High Street, and the participants took a full 12 minutes to clear the start line.

A team of cyclists led the race followed by the traditional sea of red, while the Marlow Jam Theatre Company provided live entertainment on the High Street.

Chair of the organising team John Prout, said: “We are so pleased to be able to hold this event – we get fantastic feedback and this year was no exception.

"Everyone returned safely and there seemed to be a very special atmosphere amongst both runners and spectators.

“We are particularly pleased at the way our 'charity pool' has worked this year.

"So far a record number of charities have been nominated by teams supported, and we will distribute the £15,000 available in January - once all team fundraising has been completed.

“For Rotary the event ticks two big boxes. We provide a great opportunity for community involvement in Marlow and we raise enormous sums of money for good causes. The Fun Run is a good example of what Rotary is all about."

The Rotary Clubs of Marlow expect a record £80,000 raised from all sources this year.

Initial £5,000 cheques were presented to this year’s lead charities Helen and Douglas House and the British Heart Foundation.

Marlow Thames Rotary Club president Nigel Lanchbury said: “I would like to thank all of the nearly 180 volunteers – whether Rotarians or not - who in many cases have spent an enormous amount of time planning and organising the event.

“We also have some fantastic sponsors – particularly lead sponsor the Shanly Foundation and core sponsor Softcat.

"In fact, the support from many local businesses has been extraordinary, allowing us to cover virtually all of our event costs and maximising the funds available for local charities. A fantastic effort by all concerned!”

The £15,000 charity pool donated by the Shanly Foundation, Softcat, the Clare Foundation, the Heart of Bucks Foundation, and Grundon Waste Management, will be distributed to charities nominated by teams who raised more than the scheme thresholds of £50 and £500.