2024 MARLOW SANTA’S FUN RUN OPEN TO ENTRIES
– BOOK EARLY AND SAVE MONEY!!!

EVENT WEBSITE NOW OPEN TO ENTRANTS

• Event takes place on Sunday December 1st at 9.30AM
• This is our 20th consecutive year – again organised by the Rotary Clubs of Marlow
• Website now live – and 3000 Santas Suits in stock
• Reduced prices for early entries (prices increase on November 14th)
• Record “Charity Pool” of £15,000 to be distributed to charities nominated by entrants (Rules Apply)
• Target to raise over £80,000 from all sources for mainly local charities.
• Shanly Foundation lead sponsor for 6th year running.
• Softcat a core sponsor for the 3rd year running.


The Rotary Clubs of Marlow are pleased to announce that the 2024 Marlow Santa’s Fun Run celebrates 20 consecutive years on December 1st , and that the website is now open to runners (and walkers). The event takes place at 9.30AM on Sunday 3rd of December – with entrants congregating at Higginson Park, Marlow, from 8.00AM on the day.

This year the organisers wish to remind potential entrants that:

- Entries booked BEFORE November 15th will be charged £20 for each adult and £10 for each young person (5-17 years – no charge for under 5 years). After this date the entry price increases to £25 per adult and £12.50 for each young person.
- The popular “Charity Pool” is set at a new record £15,000 for the 2024 event. (Any team entering and raising money for a favourite charity and raising £50 can secure an additional £50 for their charity. If a team raises over £500 the chosen charity will qualify for a further share of the “Charity Pool” (RULES APPLY))
- Entrants can organise teams to raise money for their own favourite charities – or to raise more money for Rotary selected charities.

The £15,000 “CHARITY POOL” has been made possible because of the fantastic generosity of a number of local organisations – specifically:
THE SHANLY FOUNDATION (lead sponsor)
SOFTCAT (core sponsor)
THE CLARE FOUNDATION
THE HEART of BUCKS FOUNDATION
GRUNDON WASTE MANAGEMENT

All is explained on the website – www.santasfunrun.org - and the event is ideal for families, friends, companies, clubs, schools, PTAs, Guide and Scout Groups, CASCs etc. And of course any charity team.
Businesses in particular may choose to use the event to raise funds for their own in-house charity.
For the sixth consecutive year the SHANLY FOUNDATION takes on the role of lead sponsor, and the organisers are delighted to confirm that local company SOFTCAT has again agreed to become a core sponsor. A wide range of other sponsors, advertisers and other supporters also support this great event.

John Prout – Chair of the Marlow Santa’s Fun Run organising committee - says “We are really excited about the 2024 event. In 2004 our very first event attracted around 100 entries and each year we have grown and evolved. The Charity Pool was introduced in 2021 to incentivise teams to raise money for their own favourite charities - and with the help of key local organisations is set it at a record £15,000 this year. 100% of this money goes to charities and CASCs chosen by entrants, and we encourage all local charities to think about entering a team. Last year a good number of Charities, PTAs and CASCs (Community Amateur Sports Clubs) entered teams – and some ended up with figures in excess of £4000 each. Whilst rules do apply we quite simply want to give this money away!”.

He added: “Last year we know the near 3000 entrants collectively enabled over £72,000 to go to mainly local charities – we think we can go past £80,000 this year. Finally - by booking before 15th November - families and groups can avoid a substantial increase. It helps us if you book early – and it helps you!”

The website is now open, and fully explains how the 2024 event will work. Entries can now be made at:

http://www.santasfunrun.org

All 3 Rotary Clubs in Marlow are involved in running the event – and Marlow Thames Rotary Club President Nigel Lanchbury says: “On Sunday 1st December we want the course to be a sea of red Santas. We want to create a fantastic fun weekend that includes teams from local businesses, schools, churches, charities, scout and guide groups, families, neighbourhoods, clubs – all running or walking for a great cause. Come and join us!”

This year the two lead charities are:
• HELEN & DOUGLAS HOUSE
• BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION
Helen & Douglas House is a well known local hospice providing expert support to very poorly young children and their families. Over the years they have made a real difference – but of course the financial challenges each year are hugely challenging. For more information see:

http://www.helenanddouglas.org.uk
British Heart Foundation needs no introduction and is admired far and wide. They have strong support in the Bucks and Berks area – and money raise