Families from throughout the North East dusted off their elf costumes for the second intu Elf Run at intu Eldon Square and intu Metrocentre.
Over 1,000 excitable elves took to the region’s favourite shopping malls to take part in the 1km charity fun run.
Participating elves paid £10 to enter the race and received an elf T-shirt and hat, an ‘official helper’ certificate from Santa and a well deserved runner’s medal for completing the fun run.
Santa’s little helpers also showed their Christmas spirit by fundraising on behalf of The Percy Hedley Foundation, and bringing in unwrapped presents for Santa to distribute to children in the North East.
First off the starting blocks at intu Metrocentre was Lisa Clark, from Hebburn, and her children Owen, Ewan and Freya. Lisa said:
“It was a really fun event to take part in. The kids just sprinted ahead when the race began! Can’t wait to do it again.”
Clair Williams, from Kenton, who attended the run with her husband Simon and their sons Thomas and Luke, said:
“It was a really fun day for the whole family. The kids love their medals and certificates and would love to come back again.”
At intu Eldon Square, Maria Bokhari from High Heaton attended the run with her children Zavi, age 6, and Ariana, age 2. Maria said:
“We’ve had a great morning at the fun run – everyone involved was so enthusiastic and there was a wonderful atmosphere with all the little elves running around!”
Mary Dowson, from Morpeth, completed the run with her children Leo, age 10, Lorenzo, age 7, Lewi, age 6, and Rowon, age 3. Mary said:
“This is our second year doing the run – my kids haven’t slept all night as they were so excited about taking part! It’s a fabulous event and a great way to support a local charity. We’ve had a fantastic time though I’m completely out of breath now!”
Karen Carr, intu regional marketing manager, North, said:
“We’re delighted with the response we’ve had to our second intu Elf Run – the atmosphere on the malls has been joyful with lots of new little elves taking part as well as some who ran last year! Christmas may be a time of indulgence but these unique 1k indoor family fun runs are a great opportunity for our shoppers to get active, get ‘elfy’ and get into the festive spirit whilst raising valuable funds for The Percy Hedley Foundation, an organisation recognised nationally and internationally as leading the way in the provision of specialist, high quality, and innovative services for disabled people.”
