Dashing Santas

On a freezing cold morning, Clare, Sol and Sheila made their way to Windsor to help marshal at the Santa Dash in aid of Alexander Devine Children's Hospice. It was an early start, gathering before it was light, but we were welcomed with hot drinks and a friendly group of volunteers. We had been asked to come looking Christmassy, and we all filled the brief, and Claire certainly did not disappoint, coming dressed in elf leggings, snowman hat and santa glasses. She looked fabulous and was nicknamed by one of the young runners as the Funky Outfit Lady! After a briefing fron Tai, our Taskowner, we were split up into groups, each responsible for marshalling 1 km of the course. We were assigned to the stretch along the Windsor Castle walls under the leadership of Sally. We put the signs out and walked our section of the course, deciding where to place the marshals. Our biggest concern was keeping the runners out of the way of the tourist groups queuing to visit the castle (or was it the other way round?), and a very narrow section due to some walkway resurfacing works. Some discussion with the castle staff resulted in the tourists being let into the castle grounds earlier than usual to relieve the pressure. Eventually the first of the runners came through, and we encouraged them along with clapping and cheering as they toiled their way up the hill to the castle and down the other side again (and helped keep us warm too). It was quite a sight, seeing them all in their red Santa suits, and the tourists cheered them on too. There were lots of families taking part, and some faces we recognised - Goodgymmers Amanda and Vikie and their families, and maybe others we didn't recognise, hidden under their Santa beards! 400 or so runners later, we could leave our posts and make our way back to the finish. Well done to everyone that took part