Santa-sational effort raises funds for Rotary Club charities

More than £1,000 has been raised so far in the annual Santa Run after organisers found a way of complying to Covid-19 restrictions.
Rebecca Bardill completing her very own Santa Fun Run.Rebecca Bardill completing her very own Santa Fun Run.
Rebecca Bardill completing her very own Santa Fun Run.

Over the years, the Rotary Club of Skegness has raised thousands of pounds for local causes, including Meals at Home, Skegness Food Bank and the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance.

Normally, the event attracts numerous competitors and is held along the seafront, starting at the Lifeboat Station.

However, this year competitors have been encouraged to run their own course at a date to suit them throughout December.

The reigning ‘Queen of the Santa Fun Run’ with Di Stephenson just after finishing her 5k.The reigning ‘Queen of the Santa Fun Run’ with Di Stephenson just after finishing her 5k.
The reigning ‘Queen of the Santa Fun Run’ with Di Stephenson just after finishing her 5k.

And they still received Santa suits after registering through a link on SkegnessSantaFunRun Facebook page.

After completing the run, wither on their own or in social bubbles, competitors are invited to post their pictures on Facebook.

In addition, a socially distanced 'Scrum Machine Push' to be run in conjunction with the Skegness Rugby Club last Sunday was cancelled after new Christmas restrictions were put in place by the government.

However, the Rotary Club are still delighted with the response to this year's event.

'We did it' - Hannah Seymour with friend about to head off.'We did it' - Hannah Seymour with friend about to head off.
'We did it' - Hannah Seymour with friend about to head off.

Patricia Lowe is a member of the club and took part in the run. She said: "As a member of the Rotary Club of Skegness, I was delighted to take part in the socially distanced Santa Fun Run 2020.

"Being past retirement age, I didn't break any records, but it didn't matter. My Fun Run was along the river bank at Antons Gowt, Boston,

"I was able to talk to passers by to promote the Fun Run and I received a £10 donation from a passing cyclist. It was different, but it was brilliant and has shown the local community at it's best."

Simon York, chairman of Community and Vocation at the Rotary Club said: "The past year has been a long, tough one full of uncertainty and difficulty.

Great 'elfy - Adam Shelley and his crew (Karen, Laura, Gemma, Justin and Theo.Great 'elfy - Adam Shelley and his crew (Karen, Laura, Gemma, Justin and Theo.
Great 'elfy - Adam Shelley and his crew (Karen, Laura, Gemma, Justin and Theo.

"We were a little unsure of whether to hold the Santa Fun Run at all this year.

"However, the enthusiasm and loyalty of the local community has helped with the success of this year's ‘non-event’.

"Rotary Club of Skegness would like to thank everyone who has taken part this year and look forward to seeing you in person next Christmas."