The Event
A fancy dress charity race through Windlesham village every Boxing Day. Here's everything you need to know to enter, compete, and make the most of the day.
What Is the Pram Race?
The annual Windlesham Boxing Day Pram Race is a fancy dress charity event that sees teams complete a course through Windlesham village on Boxing Day. It is one of Surrey's most beloved local traditions, bringing together hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators.
Registration closes at midnight on 24th December. No entries will be accepted after that date. Extra team members may be added on Boxing Day for £25 per person, but there is no facility to register a new pram on the day.
If you have not pre-registered a pram, do not turn up at the start.
The Course
The event starts at Higham's Park (formerly Linde Group/BOC) on the Chertsey Road and finishes at The Field of Remembrance.
Adult teams complete a full loop including Church Road. Teams including under-18s finish at the top of Updown Hill.
Teams may arrive from 9:00am for registration, with the race starting at approximately 10:15am. Roads close to traffic from 10:00 and reopen by 14:00 at the latest.
Entry & Fees
The event is open to anyone able to complete the course — not just Windlesham residents. There is no minimum age, though the organisers consider the event unsuitable for children under 10. Team sizes are limited to 20.
Prams must be based on a pram-sized chassis or similar pedestrian-propelled vehicle. No shopping trolleys. Prams must be safe to race and capable of completing the course in one piece. Each team must have at least one runner over 18.
Each Team Leader pays a £50 refundable deposit at registration. This is returned if no part of the pram is left in Windlesham after the event.
- Adults (18+) — £20 per person + ACTIVE Works fees. After 1 Dec 2024.
- Under-18 team — £5 per person + ACTIVE Works fees. Adult-led, participants over 10.
- Extra members on the day — £25 per person Added to a pre-registered pram only.
Prizes
Every entry is judged by the Mayor at the start. Prizes are awarded in three categories at the finish at The Field of Remembrance.
- Fastest — The John Sanderson Trophy, awarded to the team that completes the course in the quickest time. Teams must enter by 19 December to be eligible.
- Best Dressed — For the most imaginative, humorous, and creatively designed pram. Particular credit given to homemade entries.
- Best Engineered — The Gordon Murray Trophy, awarded to the pram of the most outstanding, innovative, and imaginative construction.
Fastest Pram Rules
Teams racing for the John Sanderson Trophy compete under the following rules:
- Teams must enter by 19 December at the latest.
- All team members and their pram that start must finish. No assistance from anyone outside the team is permitted at any stage.
- A pram is any pedestrian-propelled vehicle as defined by the organisers. No motor or mechanically propelled vehicles — including bicycles.
- Each team must have at least two people, with at least one runner over 18.
- A team is deemed to have finished when all members and their whole pram have arrived at the Field of Remembrance and registered with the Race Marshals.
- The Race Marshals' decision is final.
General Rules
The Start
- Team Captains register their teams, collect a team number, a collecting bucket, and a coloured wristband for each racer.
- Each team member over 18 must show a valid photo ID.
- Teams pass the Mayor (who judges each entry) and Scrutineers (who check prams and racers are safe to race).
- The Pram Race is a family event. No prams or costumes offensive to families will be permitted.
- All prams and racers will be inspected before starting. Any alcohol found will be confiscated.
- Fastest Pram teams start first. Other teams follow in staggered groups. Team photos will be available online after the event.
Along the Route
- Teams are encouraged to collect as much money as possible from spectators using the provided buckets.
- Except for those racing for the Fastest Pram prize, this is not a timed event.
- Teams must progress quickly enough to reach the finish before roads reopen at 14:00.
The Finish
- The finish and prize giving takes place at The Field of Remembrance.
- There are no facilities for pram disposal at the finish. All prams must be removed from the finish and from the streets of Windlesham.
- Any prams found littering after the event will result in the loss of the team's £50 deposit.
Road Closures
- The course closes to traffic from 10:00.
- Roads reopen behind the last-placed team as it completes each section, and fully at 14:00 at the latest.
- Racers returning from the finish must be aware that roads will be open to traffic. Walk on pavements — not in the road.
Team Photographs
- Photographers will capture teams at both the start and finish.
- Photos will be posted in the Gallery shortly after the event.
Ready to Race?
Registration opens each year in the autumn. Keep an eye on our social channels or get in touch to be notified when entries go live.
Get in Touch