Hawaiian themed Santas will be paddle boarding on Marine Lake in Southport when the Queenscourt Hospice Santa Sprint takes place this weekend!
The SUP North paddle boarders always enjoy supporting the annual event, one of the biggest fundraisers for the hospice, putting smiles on runner’s faces as they race past along the Promenade.
The Santa Sprint, sponsored for the 11th consecutive year by Silcock’s, was originally due to take place in December but had to be postponed due to treacherously icy conditions.
Instead it will be held this Sunday (8th January 2023).
It’s not too late to take part! You can register via the Queenscourt website or you can turn up at Silcock’s Funland on the day and pick up your Santa Suit.
Registration opens at 9.30am and the fun run / walk starts at 11am. You can choose between the 3k or 5k route around Southport Marine Lake.
Included with your entry:
Free Ride on the famous Carousel at Silcock’s Funland on Promenade in Southport
Your Santa Suit
Your Finishers Medal
Free Tea or Coffee at Silcock’s Funland
Free Coffee & Cake at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport on production of your finishers medal
Free soda at Hickory’s Smokehouse
Free week pass to Everlast Gym
SUP North spokesperson Alan Taylor said: “Yew we will be in Santa suits with a holiday twist, think Hawaiian shirts, shades, holiday Santa!
“We are very keen to help support Queenscourt Hospice in our own small way and hope to give the Santa runners a sight and encouragement as they pass the lake.
“Santa SUP was scuppered by the icy weather… but we’re recalling Santa from his post-Christmas holidays to support the Queenscourt Hospice Santa Sprinters this Sunday!
“We are asking paddle boarders to bring their best Santa suit with their bikini, Hawaiian skirt, board shorts. There will be a prize for the best-dressed!
“We will be raising money for Queenscourt Hospice and seeing off the hundreds taking part in the annual Santa Sprint, who will be running around the lake. We are grateful for donations from each paddler before we get on the water, and will drop money directly to Queenscourt Hospice race HQ on Southport Pier.
“Southport Sailing Club are once again kindly hosting us. There will be free parking from 9.30am, with changing rooms, toilets. The galley will be open for hot drinks, warm clubhouse for spectators. We’ll bring the mince pies!
“We’ll get on the water at 10.30am to greet the Santa Sprinters on the Promenade at 11am.
“All welcome. Winter paddling kit essential. Please invite anyone who you think may like to come along! A lake day ticket is required for insurance purposes for those who don’t have an annual licence. Available at the reduced price of £5 here: https://www.southportmarinelake.com/lake-licences”
Silcock’s, a local family-owned business which is a huge supporter of Queenscourt, is once again sponsoring the Santa Sprint.
The firm is donating £1,000 to the hospice through the event, which sees hundreds of runners start the race directly outside Silcock’s Funland, Carousel and Pier Family Restaurant.
Silcock’s will be offering free tea or coffee to anyone taking part, as well as allowing them to enjoy bacon barms for just £1 each – as well as a free ride on the famous Silcock’s Carousel.
Silcock’s Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince said: “The Queenscourt Hospice Santa Sprint is a fabulous event for Southport! It really does bring everyone together.
“It looks great with everyone in Santa suits gathering outside Silcock’s Funland and Carousel before setting off on their challenge. It’s a real spectacle!
“We’ve sponsored the Santa dash for 10 years already. This will be our 11th year!
“As well as donating £1,000 to Queenscourt we cover the printing costs for the event as well as offering a free tea or coffee for every Santa and a discounted offer of just £1 for a bacon butty.
“This year we have decided to give a free carousel ride to every Santa too.”
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