On Sunday 3rd December hundreds took part in the 2023 Orpington Santa Dash organised by Orpington 1st BID - the town centre’s business community - and supported by Mytime Active.
Over 500 people of varying ages and abilities signed up for the 2k festive funrun which took dashers around Orpington’s glorious Grade II listed Priory Gardens, down the historic Church Hill, along Orpington High Street and into Market Square.
On what was a slightly damp morning, a record number of participants gathered by the main gates of Priory Gardens, donned in their Santa suits, ready to paint the town red.
A mass warm up set to a seasonal soundtrack was expertly led by Walnuts Leisure Centre’s Sarah Elston, before the indomitable Paul Evers got dashers underway.
As the first wave of a sea of Santas reached the home stretch in the Walnuts, they were cheered on by elves, family members, and well-wishers.
Awaiting dashers at the finish line in Market Square with a hard-earned medal and some gratefully received hydration was The Mayor of Bromley Cllr. Mike Botting, Mayoress Cllr. Kim Botting, Cllr. Pauline Tunnicliffe, joined by tireless volunteers from Orpington Rotary Satellite.
Orpington 1st Executive Director Chris Travers said, "It's been brilliant to see determination and festive spirit abound today, despite the wet conditions! Well done to all our Santas, and big thank you to everyone for being part of another great Orpington event."
Lots more photos on our Facebook page.
