More than 500 runners came from far and wide to take part in the 2024 Hindhead Boxing Day Run, raising thousands of pounds for Holy Cross Hospital – a local charity providing specialist neurorehabilitation and post-operative care.

The 3.5-mile route began at the Devil’s Punchbowl Hotel, winding through the stunning landscapes of Hindhead Common. Participants had the option of a standard race or they could raise a glass to the cause with a pint of winter ale served at the two-mile mark.

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 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.”

Sponsors included Wilson Electrical Distributors Ltd, Hog’s Back Brewery, Transform Landscapes, and the National Trust, among others. Volunteers played a vital role, from marshalling the course to pouring pints of ale.

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 and to find out more about Holy Cross and its services, visit www.holycross.org.uk