Last year Ely Festive 5K Fun Run sponsored by Ward Gethin Archer and the Cambridge Building Society, sold out nearly two weeks ahead of the big day, preventing the Charity from being able to accommodate pay-on-the-day places. The run has a merry reputation for bringing timely Christmas cheer to the City, with dozens of Santas, reindeer, snowmen and even the odd present or Christmas pudding crossing the start line in Ely Market Square from 11am. The full route for the 2016 fancy dress fun run will be released shortly, but will include partial road closures as it winds around historic streets, the Cathedral and riverside.
Fun runners can expect all the usual frills with a jolly appearance from Santa, pre and post run songs from Sing! Choirs and delicious mince pies generously supplied by Marks & Spencer’s Beehive Centre, Cambridge. The event is also welcomed by Ely Markets who have once again kindly allowed the use of the Market Place for the popular charity event.
Events and Marketing Officer, Tasha Auburn, who has been involved with the event since it first began comments “Ely Festive 5K is always a highlight in our calendar and we can’t wait to see what outfits will grace Ely’s streets this year! The popularity of the event grows every year and we are urging those who are keen to take part, to sign up soon to avoid disappointment. As always the community’s support is essential and we would be delighted to also hear from local businesses and organisations willing to lend their help and maybe even volunteers to help marshal the fun run.”
Since Ely Festive 5k first started in 2010, over £39,000 has been raised through the registration fees and the sponsorship efforts of those taking part. Alongside continuing to raise the £2 million required annually to supplement the NHS contribution, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is additionally striving to raise the final £2.2 million needed for its £10.5 million new hospice home. The state-of-the-art facility is due to open to patients in November, just a week before the festive fun run takes place.
To take part in the family and pushchair-friendly event costs £12 for adults and £8 for children. There will be medals and Santa hats for all finishers and prizes will be awarded for fastest male and female runner, fastest boy and girl, fastest team and best fancy dress.
Sign up at http://www.arhc.org.uk/Ef5k-register.asp or for a postal registration form (to be returned to the hospice by Wednesday 16 November) call 01223 723115. Registration will close upon reaching 600 participants or at 1pm on Friday 18 November. Subject to availability, on the day registration will be £15 for both adults and children.
Individuals or businesses may support through donation of prizes, staff volunteering or by becoming a sponsor to ensure more of the registration fees and sponsorship money raised can be donated to directly benefit patients and their families. Please contact Event Officer Tasha Auburn on 01223 723115.
For latest news join the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/577785282403914/
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