The 2021 Santa Dash
The annual Cranleigh Santa Dash took place on Sunday, 12 December and, after the disappointment of only being able to hold the event virtually last year, it was wonderful to see so many Santas, Elves and Christmas Fairies in the village once more.
Over 200 people registered for the event and 120 runners, young and not so young, gathered in Stocklund Square for the fun run. Given the challenges of the last couple of years, participants once more had the option to complete the Dash virtually, indoors or outdoors from 1st to 25th December, which many chose to do.
At the Dash, adults and children were able to run, jog or walk a 5 km course along the Downs Link and around Snoxhall Fields, with a 10 km route for those grown-ups who wanted to dash further. Members of Cranleigh Sunflowers, plus family and friends, acted as marshals and provided encouragement along the way. The mud simply added to the fun!
Lucy Bushnell of Cranleigh Sunflowers got the runners, joggers and walkers, plus a few onlookers, warmed up with her now notorious festive routine! Cranleigh Lions kindly contacted Santa and arranged for him to come along in his sleigh to start the runners off.
A special medal, beautifully designed by Emily Tuthill, was presented to each participant on the day, along with a Santa hat. Those who dashed virtually received their medal by hand or post.
Once across the finish line, there were delicious cakes and mince pies, hot soup and mulled wine, prepared and served by members of Cranleigh Rotary and their partners, for all to enjoy.
Entry fees for the Santa Dash raised approximately £1,300 with another £125 from donations for refreshments. All profits will be donated by Cranleigh Rotary to four local schools: Cranleigh Infants, Park Mead, St Cuthbert Mayne and Ewhurst Infants, for library books and dictionaries.
The event was organised and sponsored by Cranleigh Sunflowers, Oakwood Business Consultants and Cranleigh Rotary. Thank you to everyone who got involved and made the run so enjoyable.
Cranleigh’s next Santa Dash will take place on Sunday, 11th December 2022 - Covid restrictions permitting. Entry details will soon be available on this website.
