Ho ho how we’ve missed our run!

By Faith Eckersall

It’s time to grab your red suit and hat – because the Great Motcombe Santa run is coming back!

After being forced to miss the 2020 dash, Motcombe is gearing up for a super event on Sunday, December 5, when the village will welcome hundreds of runners for a 3km run, walk or jog.

Fancy dress is welcomed, along with Santa hats, and entry fees will go to charity. Among the fun features of the event will be Speedy Santa – billed as a more eco-friendly version of The Stig – who will race along the course, nipping in and out of the runners. Those who manage to catch one of the tags on his belt can exchange it for a prize at the end of the race.

The fun starts at 9.30am at Motcombe Memorial Hall where there’ll be some festive tunes before the race sets off at 10am. Buggies and wheelchairs are welcome although there is no facility for bikes or dogs and there will be mulled wine, mince pies and carols.

The third Great Motcombe Santa Run, organised by Dr Molly Anderson and Christine Pedersen, raised almost £4,000 for Motcombe Primary School’s PTA, in 2019. The money helped fund the new Spiritual Garden and Forest School, both of which give pupils and teachers space for outdoor learning, relaxation and reflection.

Tickets cost £2 to £5 and are on sale from Wednesday, October 20 at 7.25pm.

More information at thegreatmotcombesantarun.co.uk (from November) or to enter, visit ticketsource.co.uk and search ‘Motcombe Santa Run’.