MORE than 600 runners, cheered on by hundreds of spectators, took part in an annual fundraising festive run on Boxing Day which is on target to raise a record sum for Holy Cross Hospital.

The 3.5 mile charity run began at the Devil’s Punchbowl Hotel and took a scenic route before the finishing line at the National Trust cafe. It was organised again by Matt Dellar in aid of the town hospital.

Taking part in this year’s run, was Holy Cross’s chief executive Christopher Hinton, who said: “The run was a marvellous way to spend Boxing Day.

“On behalf of my fellow runners, I’d like to thank everyone who cheered us on, Matt Dellar, who so kindly organises the run, and the sponsors who help Matt put on such a great event.

“It means a huge amount to us at Holy Cross Hospital to have support from our local community. Delivering highly specialist medical care to our patients – all of whom have complex and very serious conditions – is only part of what Holy Cross is about.

“Providing a homely and welcoming environment for patients and their loved ones is just as important.”

“Having sponsors on board means as much of the money raised as possible comes to the hospital to help our patients.

“We are planning to use the money from this year’s run to help us to purchase newly developed equipment to help therapists provide better-informed, more effective treatment.”

Participants had the choice of the standard route – or a drinking run with a pint of ale served after two miles.

Despite the event’s fun nature, there was healthy competition for first place.

David Taylor was the fastest man of the standard run with a time of 22 minutes and 26 seconds and Helen Barran was the winner of the ladies’ race with a time of 27mins and three seconds.

The drinking race was won by Daniel Allaway (24mins 30secs) and Sarah Hill (24mins and 47secs).

The Drinking Team Cup winners were: Sarah Hill, James Clarke, Mark Maxwell and Neil Ambrose from Farnham Runners.

Mr Dellar said: “Our participants and the fantastic spectators who cheered them on absolutely embraced the spirit of the Boxing Day Run.

“It’s all about enjoying our stunning countryside and sharing the experience with other people while raising money for an amazing hospital.”

Wilson Electrical Distributors were the main sponsor supported by Keats Estate Agents, Hogs Back Brewery, Sports Locker, London Road Physiotherapy, Haslemere Travel, Devil’s Punchbowl Hotel and Show Hire.

•For the full race results go to:www.boxingdayrun.org