Yahoo Finance 8 of the best Santa runs you can still take part in this year
Christmas – as popular song reliably informs us – is the most wonderful time of the year. The time when you don your running kit then add another all-important red-suit layer and sweat your way through a Santa run.
Forget for a minute that said uniform, with its loose-fitting trousers and non-sweat-wicking fabrics, is perhaps the least running-friendly outfit imaginable. 'Tis the season to be jolly sweaty and there's plenty of opportunity to do that at Santa runs across the UK.
These festive 5Ks are filling up the December race calendar, and it’s no wonder, as not only are they the perfect way to have some fun with friends but they also involve mince pies, mulled wine and sometimes even turkey sandwiches. Here are seven races you can enter before the Big Man does his own 24-hour ultramarathon on the 25th.
Scotland
Edinburgh Santa Run
When: Sunday 4 Decembe
A well-attended Santa Run taking place in Edinburgh's West Princes Street Gardens. All money raised from the Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk will go to the When You Wish Upon A Star charity, which helps children living with a life-threatening illness.
Aviemore Santa Run
When: Saturday 10th December
Take to the Highlands in Aviemore’s annual Santa run. There are 1-mile or 5-mile options, and the route takes you along Aviemore’s high street where crowds will cheer all the Santas on and festive tunes will soundtrack your run. Afterwards, celebrate in the best way possible with piles of mince pies and Walker’s shortbread.
Wales
Santa Dash Wales
When: Sunday 4 December
Officially the biggest fun-run in Wales, this Santa extravaganza takes place in the Cardiff Bay area. The route is bolstered by a ‘Rock Choir’ and the atmosphere is reliably excellent.
Llandudno 5K Santa Dash
When: Saturday 3 December
Your family pet is welcome to come to this much-loved Santa run, a 5km route that goes along the beautiful seafront of Llandudno North Shore. You can walk, jog or run the 5km. Participants will receive their own Santa suit to wear, although you'll have to bring your own Vaporflys.
North East
Santa 1-Mile Northumberland
When: Sunday 19 December
There’s something for Santa runners and non-Santa runners alike in Hexham. As well as the Santa 1-mile fun run through Chopwell Woods, there are also 4-mile and 8-mile trail runs. Prepare to get extremely muddy, too – Kris Kringles are recommended to match their red garb with hardy trail running shoes.
North West
Wigan’s Christmas Dash
When: Sunday 12 December
The main draw for this Santa race is the turkey and stuffing sandwich you’re awarded at the finish line (not forgetting the mince pie and mulled wine, too). Join hundreds of other Santa runners on the 5K course, which comprises five laps of Wigan’s Mesnes Park.
Midlands
Harborough Santa Run, Leicestershire
When: Sunday 19 December
There are two distances for Santa runners to choose from – 5K and 2K. There’s an additional festive challenge as part of the race – if you manage to beat the Christmas pudding, the organisers will donate £100 to a charity of your choice. Afterwards, elves will be handing out treats and there’ll be a festive tombola.
Elf Yourself Run & Rudolph’s Revenge, Scunthorpe
When: Sunday 19 December
Admittedly, it’s not strictly Santas in this race, and it’s not just one race either, rather two on the same day. But these are ideal if you’re looking for something festive. The Elf Yourself Run is a 3K race aimed at elves (although Santas are warmly welcomed). On the route round Normanby Hall Country Park, you’ll collect elf hats, ears, your elf name and a gift for Santa before heading to the finish. Rudolph’s Revenge, meanwhile, is an evening 10K race through woodland and deer parks, so reindeer runners will require a headtorch.
South
The Kent Christmas Cracker
When: Saturday 18 December
Santas follow purpose-built cycle tracks in Deal in either the 5-mile race, 2-mile or children’s Santa dash. The route is in the scenic Betteshangar Country Park, and runners are encouraged to dress in their finest festive fancy dress.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
You Might Also Like
