Hundreds of festive fun run lovers have already booked their place in Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s seasonal fun run, which takes place in Ely on Sunday 25 November.
This year’s Ely Festive 5K – headline sponsored by Ward Gethin Archer and Price Bailey LLP - starts at the earlier time of 9am and has a new start and finish line venue, in the grounds of Ely Cathedral.
The change of location means that the Charity has been able to offer 150 more places for their popular 5K, taking the total number of fun runners to 800.
The event team are warning those wishing to take part to sign up sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment: over 400 places have already been allocated, despite online registrations only opening at the start of September!
There could also be a pleasant surprise for families registering before 7 October: Busy Bee Recruitment is funding 50 kid’s places. Those who have signed up before this date, will be put in a draw to have the fees they paid for children’s places (up to age 16) refunded.
Ely Festive 5K has a merry reputation for bringing timely Christmas cheer to the City of Ely. Every year hundreds of cheery-faced runners complete a push-chair friendly 5K route, which includes partial road closures and winds around the City’s historical streets and riverside. Last year spectators were entertained as they cheered on dozens of Santa’s and tinsel-tousled fairies, Christmas puddings and elves, reindeer, pieces of stripy rock and even a 7 ft Christmas cracker!
Senior Events Officer, Tasha Hills adds: “We love that our supporters are already so enthusiastic about Ely Festive 5K and we can’t wait to see what outfits will be on display this year! It’s astounding how the run grows in popularity each year, as previous participants encourage their family and friends to take part too.”
“We’d like to highlight that there is a change of venue this year – with the start and finish line being situated within the grounds of Ely’s stunning Cathedral. There is also an earlier start time of 9am.”
Despite the new venue, runners and spectators can expect the usual festive frills, with Santa making an appearance and delicious mince pies and hot drinks sponsored by East of England Co-op. There will be medals for all finishers and prizes will be awarded for fastest male and female runner, fastest boy and girl, fastest team and best fancy dress.
Over £70,000 has been raised by Ely Festive 5K since it first started in 2010, through registration fees and the energetic sponsorship efforts of those taking part. Funds raised by the event will contribute to the £8.1 million Arthur Rank Hospice needs to secure annually, to deliver its essential services at no cost to patients and their loved ones.
To take part in Ely Festive 5K, sign up now at http://www.arhc.org.uk/ely-5k-registration.asp or call 01223 675888 for a postal registration form. Places cost £12.50 for adults and £8 for children under 16. Registration will close upon reaching 800 participants, or at 1pm on Friday 23 November.
Completed forms can be sent in to the Arthur Rank Hospice at Shelford Bottom (Cambridge) or delivered in person with registration fees to the Ely office of Ward Gethin Archer (Market Place), by 21 November.
The success of Ely Festive 5K relies both practically and financially on the generous support of local businesses, organisations, and volunteers who donate sponsorship, time, prizes and services to support the event.
If you would like to offer your help in some way, please call Abi or Tasha on 01223 675888 or email fundraising@arhc.org.uk.