On Sunday 4th December the Orpington Santa Dash 2022 saw a record number taking part in the 2km festive fun run, organised by the town centre business community - Orpington 1st BID - and supported by Mytime Active.
500 dashers of all ages and abilities signed up to take part in this year’s event, with Orpingtonians welcoming partakers beyond the Borough of Bromley to paint the town red.
Participants gathered at the main gates of the Priory for a seasonally appropriate mass warm up - expertly conducted by the team at The Walnuts Leisure Centre - before compere extraordinaire Paul Evers got Saint Nicks under starters orders.
A sea of Santas made their way around Orpington’s glorious Grade II listed Priory Gardens, along the high street, and across the finish line in Market Square where volunteers from Orpington Rotary were on hand to present dashers with well-earned souvenir medals and some welcome hydration, accompanied by the sound of Christmas hits and cheers from well-wishers.
Local business owner, Orpington 1st director, and regular dasher himself, Gary Valentine-Fuller, said, “A big thank you to all our dashers for bringing festive spirit abound to the town centre this morning. It’s been great to see so many smiling Santas across the high street before and after the event, too.
"The Orpington Santa Dash is a great opportunity for those of all ages and abilities to come together for a fun, healthy community event, and Orpington’s business community is proud to deliver it.”
Gary Valentine-Fuller with youngest daughter Scarlett
The Santa Dash comes two weeks after the town's successful Christmas lights switch on event 'Light Up Orpington', - organised by Orpington 1st BID - which saw huge numbers gather to start their Christmas countdown in a buzzing high street.
Lots more great photos on our Facebook Page
Video courtesy of Steve Sangster
