Ely Festive 5K has once again sold out in record time for festive loving fun runners in support of Arthur Rank Hospice.
The fun run sponsored by Ward Gethin Archer and Price Bailey and organised by Arthur Rank Hospice will take place at an earlier start time of 9am, on Sunday 25 November 2018.
The festive run will once again bring some early Christmas cheer to the City and has a new start and finish location at Cross Green, Ely Cathedral.
Ely Festive 5K is one of Arthur Rank Hospice’s flagship events. Sponsorship raised by fun runners contributes towards the £8.1 million in funding which the Charity needs to secure each year, so it can support people living with a life-limiting illness in Cambridgeshire, free of charge.
Residents, and those who turn out to cheer on the running revelers, will be treated to a spectacular parade of cheery Christmassy outfits: previously runners have dressed as tinsel-tousled fairies and rotund snowmen, Christmas puddings and cheeky elves, spritely reindeer, pieces of stripy rock and – last year – there was even a 7 ft Christmas cracker!
John Bailey, Office Administrator at Ward Gethin Archer, explains why they like to get involved: “Ward Gethin Archer have supported the Ely Festive Fun Run since its inception in 2010, and are delighted to once again assist Arthur Rank Hospice so that they can raise much needed funds. Our staff gain immense satisfaction from their involvement with an event that is so worthwhile and rewarding.”
Participants will cross the start/finish line on Cross Green in Ely Cathedral at 9am, negotiating a circular route which winds around Ely Country Park, along the river, through the Jubilee Gardens, up Cherry Hill Park and onto The Gallery. Some roads will be closed to traffic: Arthur Rank Hospice would like to thank motorists ahead of time, for their patience as they cooperate with the event’s traffic management team between 8.45 and 12 noon to ensure fun runners’ safety.
The festive atmosphere will continue in the grounds of Ely Cathedral as supporters cheer runners across the finish line, Father Christmas makes an appearance and mulled wines and mince pies sponsored by East of England Co-op, are served. Spectators and participants will also be able to treat themselves to a warming or sweet treat from The Rural Coffee Company or Gourmet Brownie, who will be close by with additional refreshments.
Having raised £73,348 since the fun run first began in 2010, Tasha Hills, Senior Events & Marketing Officer, has high hopes that this year Ely Festive 5K will raise in the region of £15,000. She comments: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming all those who have registered to our new start and finish location and are delighted to bring this event to the iconic Ely Cathedral and thank all involved in making this happen. Our walkers are incredible at creating memorable Christmas outfits and I am sure they will also be telling family and friends about what they’re dressing up as and why! Each year we need to secure £8.1 million to provide our essential care to thousands of people, not only at our sites in Cambridge and Wisbech, but also across the county in people’s own homes. We hope those taking part will rally friends, family and colleagues to show their support through sponsorship of their 5k fancy dress efforts.”
For the latest news and to join in the chatter and excitement around Ely Festive 5K, you can join the event page on Facebook.
If you have missed out on a place for this year’s run but still wish to be involved, you can: volunteer to help with marshaling; inform a local business or organisation about the sponsorship opportunity; or simply turn out on Sunday 25 November to cheer runners around the route or welcome them back to Ely Cathedral.
To enquire about event sponsorship, offer a prize or to find out more about volunteering and marshaling, please contact Senior Events Officer Tasha Hills or Events Officer Abi Christine-Segust in Arthur Rank Hospice’s Fundraising Office on 01223 675888.