A record turnout of almost 260 runners took part in a fundraising Santa-themed beach run in Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (December 17th) in memory of a local boy who died of cancer.
Joe Laoutaris, 12, passed away in 2015 after a two-year battle against Ewings Sarcoma cancer.
The annual festive ‘Santa Express Run’ was held in aid of Young Lives Vs Cancer and Love Musgrove on Burnham beach, with runners completing either the 5km or 10km course to the lighthouse.
Organiser Nikki Stent told Burnham-On-Sea.com she was delighted with how the event had gone. “A huge thank you goes to everyone who took part and supported us – it has been a hugely successful event!”
Mel Bax, Joe’s mum, added: “A massive thank you goes to everyone who took part or supported the event and to Nikki for all her hard work in organising it. It really is heartwarming to see such wonderful support.”
Burnham runner Liam Cannard was first home in the 5km run while Daisy Goldsmith was the first lady home. The 10km winner was Richard Saupe. There were loud cheers for all the finishers, including the final runner past the finishing line – Pat Seabrook, 83, of East Brent.
Burnham Boot Camp ran a warm-up session on the beach for the runners, many of whom were dressed in festive outfits. And the runners also took part in a tug-of-war before the start.
There were also stalls on the seafront and refreshments for the finishers at the finishing line.
Nikki thanked her team of helpers, volunteers, sponsors and BARB Search & Rescue for providing beach safety cover. The final figure raised was a huge £3,924.75.
Photos: Sunday’s event on Brnham-On-Sea beach (Photos: BOS.com & Mike Lang)
