Wow, what a fantastic event. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who braved the wind and driving rain to ensure that Oxford's first ever Santa Fun Run was a success.
The day started at 5.45am when our Activity Fundraising Manager, Fiona, arrived at Broad Street to check the route and, as suppliers and volunteers started arriving, organised the setting up of the stage, the registration area, the tea and coffee marquees and, most importantly, the loos!
At 8.30am Broad Street still seemed quiet as the final preparations took place. The sky was grey with light drizzle and the atmosphere didn't feel particularly festive. But then through the gloom at the end of the street we spotted red and white figures coming towards us as the first Santas arrived with beaming smiles.
By 9.15am Exeter College dining hall was buzzing with Santas receiving their race numbers from some very organised elves in their green and red suits. Exeter College is featured in the 'Golden Compass' with Nicole Kidman released last week, based on Philip Pullman's book.
Outside our photographer thought it would be fun to see how many Santas could fit in a red telephone box!
Adam Ball, Fox FM's Drivetime presenter, got behind the microphone to remind everyone why they were doing the fun run - to raise money for Fox FM's Help An Oxfordshire Child and Helen & Douglas House. Children from Headington Primary School and Magdalen College Junior School then boarded the Fox FM stage, provided by DAF Trucks, to sing some lovely Christmas carols and Broad Street started to fill with festive cheer.
With about 20 minutes to go before the race it was time to make sure that the Santas were limbered up and 700 red and white suits began doing star jumps, leg stretches and tummy rolls to get the blood pumping. It was like an excited sea of red and white against the stunning backdrop of Broad Street.
Then it was time for the Santas to make their way to the start line and Adam Ball set them off on the two mile route which went through University Parks before coming back to finish in Broad Street. But as the runners at the back crossed the start line the heavens opened and the wind blew. The poor spectators huddled under umbrellas. Blackwells was extremely popular with its awnings.
But then in just 11 minutes 40 seconds we saw the first Santa coming from Holywell Street. Alan Chetwynd, 22, from Keble College ran a fantastic race, particularly as he was recovering from an injury. Paul Hughes who works for Barclays came in second and then more and more soggy Santas crossed the line much to the merriment of everyone watching.
But the rain didn't get anyone down, in fact it boosted the camaraderie of the day as the Santas spurred each other on. Seeing Santas as young as six make it over the line with their parents definitely warmed the cockles of many hearts.
Interested for 2009? Any queries, please call Fiona on 01865 799155 or email: fevans@helenanddouglas.org.uk
