Hundreds Of Santas To Run Along Hove Seafront In Aid Of Rockinghorse

One of the highlights of the festive season in Sussex, the annual Santa Dash, returns to Brighton and Hove seafront this December.

After having to be changed to a virtual event last year due to the restrictions in place, this fantastic event is returning on Saturday, December 11 and there are still a few places left to get involved and raise money for Rockinghorse.

Last year’s event, which saw over 50 people taking part in 5k runs around their local areas, managed to raise over £3,000 and Rockinghorse is hoping that with the runners returning to the seafront this year, the fundraising will be even more successful.

The race is organised by Commonwealth silver medallist runner, John Gladwin, and Rockinghorse Children’s Charity has been the main charity partner of the race since 2015. 

John said: 

“We’re delighted that the Santa Dash is returning to Brighton and Hove seafront this December.

“We’ve had lots of people entering and we’re aiming to surpass 600 participants by the day of the race. We’re hoping for a great day where we raise lots of money for Rockinghorse!”

Among the runners taking part this year are a team from the psychology support team at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.

They provide psychological support to children up to the age of 19, diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and a range of other conditions. The team help them adjust to their initial diagnosis, providing them with support throughout their medical treatment.

They decided to run to support Rockinghorse after the charity funded a range of services for young people, including forest schools, yoga and art therapy, sensory equipment and self-help books for the families they support.

One of the team, Terri Prior, an Assistant Psychologist for Paediatric Oncology and Diabetes said: 

“The run is our chance to show how grateful we are and give back to Rockinghorse, as we see first-hand the impact of these generous donations and hard work on children, young people and their families. We aim to raise money to continue to fund services like this into the future.”

Lucy Pond, the Challenge Events Manager at Rockinghorse, is really looking forward to welcoming back all the runners this year: 

“I’m delighted that we can be back together in person for this popular event. The support last year was wonderful, despite taking place virtually, but this year we’re really looking forward to seeing all the Santas dash along the seafront together.

“It’s a fun way for people to get involved in festive fundraising and raise awareness of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity. Thank you to John Gladwin from Santa Dash Brighton for providing all the Santa Suits and medals again this year and we’ll see you all there on 11 December!”

There’s still time to sign up. Just contact Lucy at lucy@rockinghorse.org.uk, call 01273 330044 or search ‘Santa Dash’ at www.rockinghorse.org.uk.