Ely Festive 5k is selling out in record time once again, with fewer than 100 places remaining, despite available places increasing to a record 900 this year! The Christmas-themed fun run sponsored by Ward Gethin Archer and Price Bailey and organised by Arthur Rank Hospice will take place on Sunday 24 November.
Residents of Ely, and those who turn out to cheer on the running revellers, will be treated to a spectacular parade of cheery Christmassy outfits: previously these have included reindeers, elves, penguins, angels, sticks of rock, Christmas crackers, fig puddings, Christmas trees and even Quality Streets!
The 5K chip-timed route, starts and finishes on Cross Green at Ely Cathedral, with fun runners setting off at 9am. 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 8.45am 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 may make an appearance and mulled wines and delicious mince pies sponsored by East of England Co-op, are served. In a change from previous years, rather than awards for fastest runners, there will instead be spot prizes and a winning prize for the best fancy dress, giving everyone an equal chance to win!
John Bailey, Office Administrator at Ward Gethin Archer, the event’s joint headline sponsor alongside Price Bailey Accountants, explains why they like to get involved: “As a firm with an office in Ely, we are delighted to support such a key event in the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s fundraising calendar. We value the support and compassionate care given by the Charity to patients in Cambridgeshire, not to mention that the run is great fun for all the family, raising vital funds.”
Sharon Fox, Business Development Manager at Price Bailey Accountants, comments: “Arthur Rank Hospice Charity works tirelessly to make the event the success that it is, and it’s great that this year sees the biggest number of runners in its history! We are proud to be involved raising funds for such a worthwhile charity whilst enjoying a really fun start to the festive season.”
Tasha Hills, Senior Events & Marketing Officer, adds: “Over £85,000 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. We are so grateful to the community for their continued support and look forward to welcoming them on the day. Funds raised by the event really do make a difference, contributing to the £8.25 million Arthur Rank Hospice needs to secure annually, to deliver its essential services free of charge to patients and their loved ones.”
If you would like to take part in Ely Festive 5K, sign up now at arhc.org.uk/elyfestive5k or call 01223 675888. Places cost £15.00 for adults and £10 for children under 16.
Registration will close upon reaching 900 participants, or at 1pm on Friday 22 November.
For the latest news and to join in the chatter and excitement around Ely Festive 5K, join the event page on Facebook. If you miss out on a place for this year’s run but still wish to be involved, you can: volunteer to help with marshalling; inform a local business or organisation about the sponsorship opportunity; or simply turn out on Sunday 24 November to cheer participants 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 marshalling, please contact Senior Events Officer Tasha Hills or Events Officer Lana Matthews in Arthur Rank Hospice’s Fundraising Office on 01223 675888.