Marine Lake in Southport will sparkle this Sunday with a selection of paddle boarding Santas!
The SUP North paddle boarding group always joins in the fun when the annual Southport Santa Sprint for Queenscourt Hospice takes place.
As Santas run past the lake, they will be able to see paddle boarders gathering on the water dressed as Santas, elves, reindeers and other festive characters.
SUP North use the occasion to raise as much money as they can for Queenscourt and have raised thousands of pounds for our local hospice over the years.
SUP North said: “This Sunday we’ll be turning Southport Marine Lake red and white once again, with a flotilla of fancy-dressed SUPing Santas (and elves, trees, reindeers…)
“It’s our 11th annual Santa SUP and we would love for you to join us for a festive paddle.
“We will be raising money once again 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 paddlers, and will drop monies directly to Queenscourt Hospice race HQ on the pier.
“We’ll be getting on the water at 10.30am to greet the runners from 11am.
“Festive snacks will be provided for paddlers and spectators. And a prize for the best fancy dress!
“After the paddle we plan to retire to the Guelder Rose pub for a well-earned carvery and a Christmas drink.”
This will be the 13th consecutive year that Silcock Leisure Group has agreed to sponsor the Santa Sprint for Queenscourt Hospice.
Southport will once again be a sea of Santas as hundreds of fundraisers wearing red Santa suits gather at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant on the Promenade before setting off on either a 3k or a 5k route around the Marine Lake and Southport coastline.
You can sign up here: www.queenscourt.org.uk/santasprint
The run starts and ends at Silcock’s Funland.
Silcock Leisure Group will once again be offering free tea or free coffee to everyone taking part.
They will also be providing free rides for fundraisers on the historic Silcock’s Carousel.
Silcock’s has once again donated £1,000 to support the work of Queenscourt Hospice as part of their sponsorship.
Silcock’s is really getting into the Christmas spirit this year.
For the first time this year, Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant is offering Breakfast With Santa experiences on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during December which people can book through their website: www.silcock-leisure.co.uk
A festive scene of the famous Silcock’s Carousel, which was built during the Victorian era, has meanwhile been chosen to feature among the images on Queenscourt Hospice’s official Christmas cards for 2024.
Silcock Leisure Group Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince said: “Christmas is one of our favourite times of year!
“It’s a magnificent sight with hundreds of Santas all meeting at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant, riding around the Carousel, and running or walking through Southport to raise money for such a superb local charity.”
You can still sign up for the 2024 Southport Santa Sprint.
Registration costs £20 for adults, £10 for under-16s, and £50 for a family of four, with every penny supporting the vital work of Queenscourt Hospice. Your Santa Sprint registration covers the cost of the event and your Santa suit.
People are also invited to raise funds via sponsorship.
All participants receive:
Complimentary Tea or Coffee at Silcock’s Pier Family Restaurant, The Promenade, Southport
Complimentary Coffee & Cake at The Grand, Lord Street, Southport
The event has raised over £115,000 since its inception and is a full family affair – even your pet dog can take part!
There will be both a 3K and 5K route for you to walk, jog or run. The route, which starts and finishes at Silcock’s Funland, is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and buggies.
This is a sponsored event and participants are kindly requested to have a minimum sponsorship of £30 for adults, £15 for under 16’s.
If you are able to help to marshal at this event, please email fundraising@queenscourt.org.uk or call 01704 517420.
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