Around £80,000 raised from Marlow's 20th Santa Fun Run

On December 1, 3,000 runners and walkers descended to Marlow’s High Street to embark on a trek across the town, all dressed as Father Christmas. 

Over 3,000 people took part in the event on December 1 (Image: Vit Javorik) Team GB Paralympic rower Naomi Riches MBE began the proceedings, with it taking a full 12 minutes for the runners to clear the start line.  

The final sum raised from the event will not be officially confirmed until all fundraising has concluded, but the Rotary Clubs of Marlow has confirmed that they expect around a record £80,000 to have been raised from all sources.

In addition to this huge figure, cheques of £5,000 each were presented to this year’s lead charities which were Helen & Douglas House and the British Heart Foundation.

The race began on Marlow High Street (Image: Vit Javorik) After the run, the Chair of the Santas Fun Run 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.

Several cheques were handed out to charities in the area (Image: Vit Javorik) “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.”

It was a sea of red and white in Marlow on December 1 (Image: Vit Javorik) Marlow Thames Rotary Club President Nigel Lanchbury added: “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.

There were plenty of smiles in South Bucks on December 1 (Image: Vit Javorik)

“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.”