Running enthusiasts and their supporters raised thousands of pounds for charity by braving the wet weather to take part in the annual Boxing Day Run across Hindhead Common in aid of Holy Cross Hospital.
The Boxing Day Run is a fun run with a difference as, in addition to the standard race across the 3.5 mile cross country route, there is a drinking race where runners are served a pint of ale at mile two.
The run is organised each year by local resident Matt Dellar. Matt estimates that nearly 500 runners took part this year. All profits will go to Holy Cross Hospital, a local specialist facility in Haslemere for men and women with complex neurological disabilities resulting from injuries and medical problems such as strokes.
“For some of our runners, a pint of beer is the last thing they need on Boxing Day morning. For others, it’s the best so we like to give them a choice!” says Matt. “As ever, the winning times for all categories were extremely impressive and we had lots of participants who completed the run at a more comfortable pace just to enjoy the fun and fresh air while raising money for a great local cause.”
Daniel Titcomb was the first across the line with a time of 22.31 and the fastest woman was Sarah Hill (25.54) – both took part in the drinking race. The fastest male and female in the non-drinking race were Paul Lowe and Gabi Hitchcock with times of 22.36 and 28.08 respectively. The full results can be seen at www.boxingdayrun.org.
Dr Ross White, the chief executive from Holy Cross Hospital thanked those who took part or helped out on the event: “Matt has once again done an amazing job with putting on this excellent fundraiser for the patients of Holy Cross. I’m also very grateful to the sponsors, Wilson’s Electrical Distributors, ShowHire radio hire, the Sports Locker and the Hog’s Back Brewery – all local businesses who have chosen to support the event. And of course, thank you to everyone who ran for us and those who came to cheer them on. Enjoy the rest of your Christmas and New Year!”
The National Trust, Devil’s Punchbowl Hotel and RaceTime Solutions also supported the event.
The Boxing Day Run starts each year from the Devil’s Punch Bowl Hotel, taking participants through the Devil’s Punchbowl itself, Hindhead Commons and Gibbett Hill before finishing at the National Trust cafe.