UCF's Mid-Summer Santa Fun Run Launched

Spring weather in NI may be more autumnal than spring-like at present, but a local charity is taking things a step (or two) further by launching the Ulster Cancer Foundation's (UCF) Summer Santa Fun Run.

Fronted here by the 'Face of the M Club 2009', Ruth Jackson from east Belfast along with sporting enthusiasts/santas Peter Ferris and Wayne Pollock, it takes place on Father's Day, Sunday 21st June - which also happens to be mid-summer's day too, despite the festive theme.

The event will start at Cutters Wharf at 2.00pm and all proceeds will go to the charity's Man Alive! men's health campaign.

The route will take runners through the grounds of Stranmillis College and there is the choice of one, two or three mile runs.

Neill Grainger, Senior Development Officer with UCF explained: "We are encouraging runners to dress up for the Fun Run - preferably as Santa - but anything goes!

"You might want to make your own costume, wear a santa hat or simply wear something red - there will be plenty of spot prizes so just use your imagination!

"It is a great way to support the Man Alive! campaign which informs local men about cancer, encourages them to make positive lifestyle changes and empowers them to take control of their health," he said.

Prizes for top fundraisers include the Ultimate Golf Experience at the five star K Club with two nights bed and breakfast and one evening meal as well as a round of golf on the Palmer and Smurfit courses. Non golfers can opt for a €100 voucher for the K Spa.

The Summer Santa Fun Run, supported by Wine Inns and Roadside Motors is the start of a major fundraising campaign by UCF supporters - Wayne Pollock and Peter Ferris.

Both of the athletes will be heading to the South Pole to participate in the Antarctic Ice Marathon and Half Marathon as well as the Antarctic 100 km/62 mile Ultra Marathon this December.

If successful they will be the first to have completed all three polar events in the Southern Hemisphere in a matter of days.

They hope to use the gruelling Antarctic challenges to raise £100,000 for UCF's Man Alive! Campaign and following the Summer Santa Fun Run they will run seven marathons in seven days across Northern Ireland.

For further information on the Summer Santa Fun Run, contact Neill Grainger on 028 9068 0758 or Sarah Atcheson on 028 9068 0765.

To register for the Summer Santa Fun Run call UCF on 028 9066 3281 or download registration forms from www.ulstercancer.org or www.worldsbiggestsantarun.com/

(BMcC/JM)