The countdown to Christmas has officially begun at The Runhead, and this year we’re taking on our biggest festive challenge yet.
From 12 October, our team will be embarking on an ambitious mission to help bring Santa all the way from the North Pole to Ryton by walking an incredible five million steps.
The challenge represents the 2,420-mile journey Santa makes each Christmas and we’re inviting our customers, friends and local community to join us on the adventure.
Walking the Distance to Bring Santa to Ryton
Over the coming weeks, members of The Runhead team will be logging every step as we attempt to cover the equivalent distance from the North Pole to our doorstep.
Our progress will be tracked using a dedicated app, and visitors to the pub will be able to follow Santa’s journey on a special in-house progress tracker. Every mile walked will bring him one step closer to Ryton.
But we can’t do it alone.
Whether you’d like to join us for a walk, get involved in fundraising or simply cheer us on from the sidelines, we’d love your support as we work towards our goal.
Raising Money for Children’s Cancer North
While the challenge is all about festive fun, it’s also designed to make a real difference.
We’re raising funds for Children’s Cancer North, the nominated charity of Malhotra Group plc. Every penny donated through our JustGiving page will help support children and families across the North East who are affected by childhood cancer.
Runhead Business Manager Mark Johnson said:
“Although our staff are front and centre of this challenge to cover the same distance that Santa does when he travels from the North Pole to Ryton, I’m sure we would welcome a little help.
If anyone would like to join our team then do get in touch and, obviously, if you would like to help us help children in our region affected by cancer, then do please dig deep and support us.
The pub will be packed when he crosses the finish line and we switch on the Christmas lights and I’m sure that thought will keep us going as we complete the challenge.”
Join Us for Our Christmas Light Switch-On
The challenge will culminate on Wednesday 26 November when, hopefully, Santa reaches The Runhead just in time for our Big Christmas Light Switch-On at 5pm.
We’re planning a magical evening for the whole family, including:
- Live music from the Ryton Singers
- Free mulled wine and hot chocolate
- Face painting for children
- Local festive stalls
- A special visit from Santa himself
Children are also encouraged to bring along their letters to Santa and hand them over in person before he heads off to prepare for Christmas Eve.
How You Can Help
There are plenty of ways to support our challenge:
- Make a donation to Children’s Cancer North
- Join us for a walk and contribute some steps
- Follow our progress in the pub
- Attend our Christmas Light Switch-On event on 26 November
- Share the challenge with family and friends
Together, we can help Santa reach The Runhead in time for Christmas while raising vital funds for an important local cause.
To support the challenge, visit our JustGiving page: Donate to Get Santa to The Runhead
We can’t wait to welcome Santa to Ryton. Let the countdown begin! 🎅✨