Windsor Santa Dash for Devine charity will be 'virtual'

The news that the fancy dress run on an iconic Windsor route will not go ahead in its usual form will not come as a surprise - but the charity's CEO Fiona Devine has revealed it will happen virtually in a new format as it reaches its eighth year.

The Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, which supports seriously-ill children across the whole of Berkshire and surrounding areas, was set up by Fiona and her husband John in memory of their son Alexander. It raised the money for the new children's hospice at Maidenhead.

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She said: “It is hugely disappointing not to be able to host our annual Santa Dash in the iconic surrounds of Windsor with all the usual energy and excitement that comes with it. It is a real highlight of the year for us and such a wonderful spectacle to behold the sea of red Santas dashing through the Royal town centre.

"We love kicking off the festive season with our Santa Dash and we hope people will embrace the new format for this year and still join in the fun with us wherever they are. We will be organising a jolly fun virtual warm up on Sunday, November 29 before we all head off."

The new virtual option will give participants the opportunity to do the run their way. Families, friends and colleagues can suit up, choose their own 5km route and enjoy the Santa Dash in small, socially distanced groups wherever they are based and still earn a medal.

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Registration is now open and entry is £15, which includes a Santa Suit, fundraising pack and a medal (which we will be sent to participants after the event). If any children wish to take part reindeer antlers at £2.50 each can be bought during registration.

To sign up or for more information, visit www.alexanderdevine.org/santadash

This year’s event is sponsored by Leywood Estates Ltd and Horler Estate Agents.