Caveman Mark Eagleton and his friendly Tyrannosaurus Rex companion Alan Harding were two highlights amongst many unicorns, princesses, fairies, dragons, cartoon characters, giraffes, groovy 60s-style dressers and others who appeared in fancy dress.
The park was awash with colour and smiles throughout the action-packed day, in which a total of 818 competitors took part in seven different fun runs, attracting participants ranging in age from four to over 70.
The longest run was the adult five mile race which took the runners out of Priory Park and on to the leafy streets of Reigate. Max Smithson won the adult 5 mile in an impressive 29:12, with Eloise Bull being the first woman finishing in 30:18.
This was followed by the one-mile-long fun runs that all took place within the park grounds. The adult one mile event was won by David Mason in exactly 6 minutes. David’s children Elliott and Olivia were also first boy and girl home in their junior races showing a strong family talent for running. Jen Neville was the first woman home in the adult one mile in 8:39.
The junior one mile fun runs for under 16s, under 12s, under 10s, under 8s and finally under 6s showed an incredible field of future running stars. The fun run also encourages a love of running and activity for enjoyment.
Every group of runners took part in a pre-race warm-up run by Carmel Dalby, a YMCA Health & Wellbeing staff member based at the charity’s Earlswood sports centre. The entire day’s proceedings were overseen by master of ceremonies and announcer, Carla Terry. Every participant received a commemorative medal and sporty T-shirt.
Councillor and Mayor of Reigate & Banstead Eddy Humphries and his wife Sarah started several races and awarded prizes to young winners. Chris Brewer, Patron of YMCA East Surrey, was also in attendance to distribute trophies to finalists.
Alongside the fun runs was a borough council-organised Festival of Sport Village with a climbing wall, soft archery and numerous opportunities to try a new sport.
YMCA East Surrey CEO Ian Burks said, “We are thrilled that so many people participated in our fun day, which is designed to demonstrate that getting fit can also be great fun!The runners are raising money for a great cause too – our Life Change Fund that transforms the lives of young people in Surrey. We are so grateful to Reigate & Banstead Borough Council for use of Priory Park and to Brewers Decorator Centres, SES Water and other generous sponsors who make the day possible. Crucially, I must thank the 100-plus YMCA volunteers who made this annual event happen!”
The 2026 Fun Run will be taking place on Sunday 3rd May 2026. If you would like to get involved with fitness and raise money for charity, please see the YMCA Challenge Events here: https://www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk/get-involved/challenge-events/.
