You've got to start somewhere! Pictured at the start line are the jolly Nice Work staff as the first ever Green Santa Run 10K, 5K, and 1K children's races were held on Sunday 1 December in Alice Holt Forest, Farnham with a strong emphasis on accessibility and sustainability.

Alice Holt Forest is a tranquil woodland managed by Forestry England with 247 hectares of beautiful forest trails to explore including a special Wellbeing Trail and routes suitable for mobility scooters for those with limited mobility.

The emphasis is on peace and quiet so this was the perfect venue for the first ever fully accessible, festive-themed race in the Nice Work Race Management portfolio. The courses explored the stunning, accessible, traffic-free trails that twist and turn between the trees.

This was a truly inclusive race, as the event website explained: "Runners of all abilities are warmly welcomed, whether they’re part of a club or Elf-taught. Sorry, we couldn’t resist!"

Extra facilities included accessible parking; designated quiet spaces and dedicated quiet start; race briefing provided by a sign language interpreter; guide runners for visually impaired runners; medal opt-out for a donation to support Alice Holt Inclusive Cycling; Preloved Sports CIC in attendance to help make the most of spare running kit; race staff and marshals with impairments assisting on the day and full information and photos provided about the course, parking, event village and toilets ahead of race day to aid planning.

Elliott Parker (39:20) and W45 Butty Muhlemann (46:02) led the way in the 10K. There was a female winner and runner-up in the 5K as Sophie Bennett was joint fastest with W35 Charlotte Wildman in 28:31. Third-placed Adam Hughes (29:32) was the first male.

The date has already been confirmed for the second Green Santa Run at the fabulous Alice Holt Forest – Sunday 7 December 2025 – so get that new calendar marked now.

Full results are available at the runABC South race listing here.

Photo courtesy Nice Work race website