Thousand Santas take part in Marlow run (From Bucks Free Press)

Thousand Santas take part in Marlow run

3:36pm Sunday 6th December 2009 in

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OLYMPIC hero Sir Steve Redgrave donned a Santa suit to welcome a thousand Father Christmases to Marlow’s festive fun run.

The gold medal winning rower and Marlow resident sounded the starting horn at Santa’s Fun Run and watched the throng of red and white begin the three mile (five km) course.

Sir Steve told The Bucks Free Press: “It is always a fantastic day.

“We feel very privileged all these Santas have taken time out of their busy schedule.”

He said: “Marlow has been my home community all my life. The run has become a tradition for Marlow.”

Runners made their way around the town via Parkway.

They included ages 12 and over for the first time, runners in inflatable Santa “fat suits” and even a dog in yuletide attire.

First across the line was Alex Shelley, 18, from Amersham at 17mins24s.

The Dr Challoner’s School pupil and Chiltern Harriers runner said: “I am really surprised, I wasn’t aiming to win, I was aiming for the top five.

“It did feel longer than five km. I got to three km and I felt I was ready to finish.”

He raised £12 and his mother, father and two sisters, who also took part, raised £65.

Organisers will donated sponsorship case to youth organisations in Marlow.

John Spooner, 35, managed a time of 21mins28s.

The Barnhill Close, Marlow resident, 35, said: “It was hard, I am two years older and the wrong side of 35. It was good fun.”

Jane Johnson, 54, of Henley Road, Marlow came in at about 26 minutes. She raised £60 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

She said: “It was my first time, it was great. I am glad the weather turned out brilliantly.”

The event was organised by the Rotary clubs of Marlow and Marlow Thames.

David Sutherland, chairman of the organising committee, said about 1,000 people took part compared to 750 last year, when £10,000 was raised.

He said he hoped the event would raise £15,000 for the town’s young people.

Mr Sutherland said: “It has been brilliant. Thankfully, the rain stopped and the sun came out.”

For more pictures see Midweek on Tuesday.