Step into Christmas with Chelmsford’s Yuletide Stride

Do you fancy a leisurely evening stroll around the city centre to see the Christmas lights? Then you’ll be pleased to know that the annual Yuletide Stride is back on Thursday 7 December. This year the low intensity group walk will raise money for the Mayor of Chelmsford’s chosen charity, YMCA Essex. It is hosted by Anglia Ruskin University and the council’s Community Sport and Wellbeing team.

The Yuletide Stride is an inclusive event for all ages and all fitness levels. The walk will be guided by Heart and Sole volunteers, so participants can focus on soaking up the festive spirit! Your ‘walk leader’ will guide the way, while cycle marshals keep you on track and ‘back markers’ keep pace with the slowest walkers, to ensure no one feels rushed.

The 5 kilometre walk is a great way to take in Chelmsford’s Christmas lights in all their glory, following their switch on, on Sunday 19 November.

Yuletide Stride participants are invited to meet at 6.30pm on Thursday 7 December in front of the Lord Ashcroft Building at Anglia Ruskin University, ready for a briefing at 6.55pm. The walk will then commence promptly at 7pm.

You can see a map of the planned route below:

How to get involved in the Yuletide Stride 2023

If you would like to take part in this beloved event, please register online via this form. All participants are asked to make a donation of £5. A small portion of donations are used to cover the cost of the event, with the rest given to the Mayors’ chosen charity, YMCA Essex.

Families are welcome to attend the walk, and all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Guide and therapy dogs are also welcome.

If the Yuletide Stride sounds like something you’d enjoy, then please do come along! For more information, visit the Yuletide Stride official page, or call 01245 606 569.