Ho, ho, ho! Entries open for Reading Santa Run

Santa Claus is coming to town. And another. And another. And … well, hundreds of them to be precise.

The annual Reading Rotary Santa Run will be taking place in the grounds of the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus at the start of December, offering charities a chance to raise some funds while having fun.

The course is either 5km or 2km, ensuring every age and ability can join in.

Each year, hundreds of people take part in the event, all wearing Santa outfits. These can be purchased in advance.

Organised by members of the Reading Rotary Club, they say it is a great way to kick off the holiday season, keep fit and raise funds either for their chosen charities or ones that the participant chooses.

This year, they are supporting two charities.

Rainbow Trust supports families with a seriously ill child. It pairs families with a support worker, ensuring they look after parents, carers, the unwell child, their siblings and their grandparents.

They have a Thames Valley team based in Swallowfield who help families in the Greater Reading area.

Thrive, based in Beech Hill, uses gardening to change lives.

It works with people who have ill-health or disabilities, are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. They may have additional needs, or need help with mental health support.

The Santa Run is to be held on Sunday, December 1.

Places cost £14 for adults, or £8 for children aged five to 15. A family ticket is £35, while teams of 10 or more pay £13 per person. University students are £10.

Every entry includes the opportunity to have a Santa Suit. These, along with race parks, are available to collect between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, November 23, from car park 1a of the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus.

The best entry point will be the Shinfield Road entrance.

For more details, or to book places, log on to: https://www.santarun.co.uk/