On Sunday 1 December hundreds took part in the 2024 Orpington Santa Dash organised by Orpington 1st Business Improvement District (BID) - the town centre’s business community - and supported by Mytime Active.
Running since 2017, Orpington Santa Dash has grown to be a key date in the calendar - a positive community event, spreading good will to all.
The wet weather this year did little to deter the 500+ people of varying ages and abilities who signed up for the 2k festive funrun, taking dashers around Orpington’s glorious Grade II listed Priory Gardens, down the historic Church Hill, along Orpington High Street and into Market Square.
As the sea of Santas descended upon the start point and the rain came down, regular host and hype man Paul Evers kept spirits afloat with words of encouragement and trademark witty one-liners, before handing over to Walnuts Leisure Centre’s Sarah Elston to lead the mass festive themed warmup.
“Elite Santas” were given the go ahead first, completing the first lap of the Priory Pond ahead of the main group going under starter’s orders.
Amongst this year’s group of dashers was a strong contingent from The Maypole Project, an incredible local charity which works across areas of South and South East London to support children and young people who have complex medical needs and disabilities, as well as their family members.
Employees, volunteers, as well as some of those who have been supported by the charity took part, raising over £2,500 to help continue their work.
The Maypole Project's Fundraising Manager, Amy Kellaway, said, "We always love taking pat in the Orpington Santa Dash, it's such a fantastic event, and our families love to get involved. This year our fundraisers raised an incredible £2,562! Watching some of our children over come struggles to make it round the course is amazing and a huge accomplishment for them. Thank you to Orpington 1st for organising such a great event and see you next year!"
At the finish line in Market Square, participants were greeted by family members, well-wishers, and the Mayor of Bromley Cllr. David Jefferys, who, with a little help from friends at Orpington Rotary, awarded each Santa a souvenir medal.
Orpington 1st Executive Director, Chris Travers, said, “thank you and congratulations to all our Santa Dashers. Despite the weather there’s been a warm, community minded atmosphere, with great festive spirit on display. Our business community is proud to deliver this event in partnership with Mytime Active, and this year with the support of volunteers from Orpington Sea Cadets, and Orpington Air Cadets – a big thank you to them, too.”
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