Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays worldwide, and the running community has its own way of being festive. We bring you a list of Christmas-inspired runs and Santa dashes around the world.
The Las Vegas Great Santa Run, Las Vegas, USA
The Las Vegas Great Santa Run is one of Opportunity Village’s largest fundraising events and Las Vegas’ attempt to break the world record for the largest Santa gathering. More than 10,000 Santas participate annually, and this fun-filled, family event attracts runners from all parts of the world. This year it was help in downtown Las Vegas on Saturday, December 7, 2013.
Madrid Santa Run, Spain
Madrid Santa Run took place on Saturday, December the 14 in 2013 where more than 6,000 people dressed in Santa Claus costumes ran a 5.5km course in downtown Madrid. The race was organized by one of Spain’s leading department stores and it contributed 1 euro (S$1.7) for each entrant to a charity that buys Christmas presents for deprived children around the world.
The Santa Corrida de Noël 10K Race, Paris, France
A yearly event organised in the capital of France that attracts more than 3000 people. Check out the official site and this extensive photo-review of 2013’s edition.
Osaka Great Santa Marathon, Japan
The “Osaka Great Santa Run” is a charity event, started in 2009, where the participants wear a Santa Claus suit (included in the participation fee). The proceeds of this event are donated to children who have to spend Christmas day in a hospital.
Santa Claus Marathon, Rovaniemi, Finland
Every year in mid June, Santa Claus Marathon‘s full and half marathons, as well as a 12 km run and walk and children’s mini marathon, take place on the Arctic Circle. The starting point couldn’t be anything else than Santa Claus’s Workshop. The event is organised by the athletic club Lapin Lukko, Member of Association of International Marathons and Road Races AIMS since 2006. Next Santa Claus Marathon will be kept on June 14th 2014.
Santa Run, Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay, Philippines
The first ever Santa Run in Philippines took place on December 14th, 2013, themed “Be a Santa” for the benefit of the orphans of typhoon Yolanda. With the first ever “Santa Run Philippines” A campaign run for a cause in collaboration with ROOS and Pasay’s 150th anniversary. More info and photos at Pinoy Fitness.
Santa Run, Chania, Grece
A distance of 3,5 km is covered in the historic and commercial center of Chania with the sole purpose of raising money for children with health issues. The Santa Run is a festive, charitable organization, whereby we will be walking the city streets of Chania wearing Santa Claus costumes. Refuelling stations are the shops of the city who will be offering beer instead of water! In this Santa run official timing and medals do not exist. In Santa Run Chania we are all winners because we offer aid to children in need. The event was established in 2007.
Q-Santa-Run, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Kyoto Santa Claus Marathon, Japan
Runners ranging from children to seniors wear white beards and red coats to celebrate Christmas in the old capitol. The race began 5 years ago and quickly became a regular event. Its growing popularity attracts runners from Kanto and Shikoku in addition to locals. Runners in costumes such as Christmas trees and snowmen as well as people with dogs dressed as reindeer also take part.
Santa Hustle Race Series, USA
Each race provides participants with a free Santa Hat, Beard & customized dri-fit long sleeve shirt to wear while running. The Santa Hustle Race series of runs spans many states across the US, from the Windy City to the beaches of the Lone Star State.
The dates for this year’s runs are:
– December 7, 2013: Santa Hustle Chicago 5k
– December 8, 2013: Santa Hustle Milwaukee 5k
– December 15, 2013: Santa Hustle Smokies 5k & Half Marathon (Sevierville, TN)
– December 15, 2013: Santa Hustle Indy 5k & Half Marathon (Indianapolis, IN)
– December 15, 2013: Santa Hustle Cedar Point 5k & Half Marathon (Sandusky, OH)
– December 22, 2013: Santa Hustle Texas 5k & Half Marathon (Galveston, TX)
Santa Run, London, UK
Pick your distance, pick up your trainers and raise vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital, all whilst wearing a Santa suit. More info.
The Great Langdale Christmas Pudding Run, UK
The Great Langdale Christmas Pudding Run has become the peoples choice 10K winter run. With over 1000 entrants in 2009, the race appeals to the ‘fun’ runners. Every finisher gets a Christmas Pudding for completing the course and we encourage entrants to dress in festive costumes to add to the party atmosphere. The course is an out and back, slightly undulating route, along the Great Langdale Road. Starting at the New Dungeon Ghyll, running to The Langdale Estate in Elterwater and returning to the New Dungeon Ghyll.
The Santa RunTanTan, Aseana City, Philippines
A festive 16km run that takes place in Aseana City, Philippines. This year’s edition was held on December 15th, 2013
A Christmas Story House run Cleveland, Ohio, USA
The mission of the A Christmas Story Run is to provide a race that promotes health and fitness, stimulate the local economy and galvanize the community. It is organised by the A Christmas Story House & Museum. 5km and 10km categories are available.
Greenfield City Christmas Run, Philippines
A holiday run in Philippines. This year took place on December 8th, 2013.
LA County Holiday Half-marathon, USA
The LA County Half Marathon starts and finishes at Fairplex So Cal, home of the LA County Fair and encompasses the beauty of the Pomona Valley. The scenic course takes runners through various parts of the Fair and then heads right down the world famous Auto Club Raceway at Pomona. A 5km run is also available.
Hong Kong Santa Walkathon, Hong Kong
On wednesday 25th of December 2013 Hong Kong’s first Santa Claus-themed walkathon fundraiser will take place.
Nether Heyford Santa Run, UK
The villages of Nether Heyford and Flore are proud to host their third annual Santa Run. A 5 mile road run including mile and half mile Fun Run that takes place in Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire
For a list of forthcoming Santa Dash charity runs worldwide, and info how to register, please see this link: www.santadash.co.uk
We wish you happy holidays and a happy new year!
Have you participated in any Santa dash? Did we miss any event? Share your stories below.
