Santa Dashers

Written on 18 December 2023

Several Santas, elves, and Christmas trees convened in Burrs Country Park at the weekend (Sunday 17th December) for the 2023 Santa Dash.

The hospice partnered with the outdoor events and education organiser, The Sunnywood Project to host the 5K fun run.

The Sunnywood Project promotes a love for the outdoors by providing a variety of events and educational programmes that advocate healthy lifestyles for people living in Bury and surrounding areas.

Santa Dashers on the starting line

55 people ran in support of Bury Hospice alongside runners from The Sunnywood Project’s, Burrs Community Run, totalling more than 100 people, all dressed in Christmas attire and poised to take on the racing challenge.

An alternative 2K course was also available for keen racers who preferred a shorter distance, as the race was suitable for people of all ages and racing abilities.

All registered participants in the dash received a free Santa hat to fully get into the festive spirit, as the race, which was officially opened by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sandra Walmsley, got underway.

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sandra Walmsley gets the race started

Video of Racers

The Bury Hospice dashers had all pledged to raise a minimum of £50 to take part and were encouraged to gain the support of friends, family, and colleagues who made donations or in some cases, took the time to cheer them on from the sidelines.

A runner part way through the course

The competitors received a medal and a certificate, as well as a goodie bag filled with chocolate and surprises to take home. The first ten people to cross the finishing line also got a gift voucher, courtesy of The Arcade Club, Bury, for an adult session.

Runners heading towards the finishing line

Nellie Savory, Inpatient Unit Clinical Lead at Bury Hospice ran the race with her clinical colleagues and running team, the Christmas Belles. She saw the Santa Dash as being the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of the hospice.