Every year, thousands of Santas take to the streets to raise money for their favourite charity. Join us as we take part in one of the country’s annual Santa Fun Runs.

You’d be forgiven for doing a double take at the sight of almost a thousand berry red Santas huffing, puffing, jogging, walking, ambling and running through the streets on a cold December afternoon. It is certainly a sight to behold, and it can only mean one thing; Christmas is coming and it’s time for a Santa Fun Run!

Do the Santa Shuffle

The Santa Fun Run, the Santa Shuffle and the Santa Dash along with Reindeer Races, Yule Yomps and Pudding Plods are all variations on a festive fun run, usually organised to raise money and awareness for local charities. They have become one of the most important events of the festive calendar with events being held up and down the country from the end of November onwards.

As well as aiming to raise as much money as possible for good causes, the runs also aim to be fun-filled days that the whole family can enjoy.

Santa Fun Runs are thought to have originated in the USA, but it wasn’t long before the festive capers made their way across the Atlantic. The event at Newtown in mid Wales began in 2001 and was soon followed by similar organised runs across the country.

The Great Santa Run in Las Vegas is currently the record holder for the most numbers of Santas participating in a fun run, when almost 9,000 Santas took part in 2009. Not quite that many Santas are expected for the Hope House run, but the event from 2009 can safely stake its claim to the record books. Santa outfits were swapped for Snowman Costumes, which put the event straight into the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest gathering of people dressed as snowmen.

Fun runs like the Santa runs are usually open to people of all ages and fitness levels. Some people do run the course, but many more people walk at a leisurely pace. So, what are you waiting for? Dust off the Santa suit, stick on the beard and we’ll see you at the start line!

Find a Santa Dash/Fun Run near you at www.santadash.co.uk