Hundreds take part in Boxing Day Run for Holy Cross

Over 500 runners came from far and wide to take part in the 2024 Hindhead Boxing Day Run raising thousands of pounds for local charity, Holy Cross Hospital. 

The 3.5-mile route began at the Devil’s Punchbowl Hotel and took in the scenic countryside of Hindhead Common. At the time of booking, runners had the choice of entering either the standard race or the drinking event where they were served a pint of winter ale at the second mile. 

First over the finish line was Aiden Zavala who is a member of a running club in Irvine, California. Aiden completed the course in just 21 minutes and 31 seconds. Luke Brocks from the City of Portsmouth AC won the men’s drinking race in 22 minutes and 45 seconds. The first female to cross the line was Becky Robinson who completed the ladies’ drinking race in 26 minutes and 11 seconds and Sophie Davies won the ladies’ race in 26 minutes and 31 seconds. 

Event organiser Matt Dellar said: “This year’s run was another sell-out success which brought together hundreds of runners who were cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd of spectators. My thanks go to all the sponsors and supporters whose contributions helped to make the run such an enjoyable event. They include Wilson Electrical Distributors Ltd, Transform Landscapes, Hog’s Back Brewery, The Sports Locker, Devil’s Punchbowl Hotel, Show Hire, the National Trust and Race Timing Solutions. Finally, I would like to give a big thank you to everybody who volunteered to be a race marshal or to pour and serve pints of ale to the runners!”

All proceeds from the run are donated to Holy Cross and help to support its work to provide specialist neurorehabilitation and post-operative rehabilitation for inpatients and outpatients. 

For more information about the Boxing Day Run, visit www.boxingdayrun.org. To find out more about Holy Cross and its services, visit www.holycross.org.uk.