The sight of hundreds of red-coated Santas running, jogging or even sauntering through the streets of some Cornish towns last November may have made some people think they had had too many egg nogs. However, it was all in a good cause as hundreds of folk signed up for the Santa Fun Runs in aid of the Cornwall Hospice Care.
Get fit with a Santa Fun Run for Cornwall Hospice Care
Such was the success, the Santa Series is taking place once again in 6 different Cornish towns, so there's sure to be a run near you! The Santa Fun Runs take place on a variety of dates starting on 26th November 2014.
As well as giving you an excuse to exercise and get fit, these fundraisers also generate a great deal of festive spirit. As hundreds of Santa line up at the start, there's a great atmosphere and some Santas even get in a little last minute training with a spot of line-dancing!
Depending upon the location the routes are either one or two miles long and the Santa Cycle Fun run in Padstow is a 5-mile course ‐ but then you have to cycle back again.
Your very own Santa suit!
Everyone who signs up to join a Santa Fun Run gets their very own Santa suit to wear ‐ a red coat, fur-trimmed Santa hat and optional white beard. However, as last year's events showed, the Santa Fun Runners really got into the spirit. As well as running in their Santa suits, participants ran with decorated Santa-sleigh pushchairs and even dressed their accompanying dogs in Santa coats so they could join in.
There is the unmistakable jingling of Santa bells as the Santa Fun Run takes off from the start line and it certainly makes for a festive sight for the onlookers who cheer on Santas of all ages, including youngsters.
How to take part in the Santa Fun Run 2014
Even if you are not a keen running enthusiasts, you can choose to walk, cycle or jog to help support the fundraising event for Cornwall Hospice Care in 2014. You can also cheer on the runners, sponsor a runner or display a poster (downloadable from the Cornwall Hospice Care website) to ensure an even more successful series of Santa Fun Runs this year.
Another great way to support this very worthwhile charity is by doing your Christmas shopping for Christmas cards and gifts in the Cornwall Hospice Care charity shops.
The event is open to men, women, boys and girls and those who complete the run get a Santa medal, a well-earned mince pie and a hot drink at the finish.
There are six dates/destinations in 2014 to choose from:
* The Santa Night Run on Wed 26th November in Truro
* The Santa Fun Run on Saturday 29th November in Bodmin
* The Santa Cycle and Fun Run on Saturday 6th December in Padstow (this event starts at Wadebridge for cyclists)
* The Santa Fun Run on Sunday 7th December at Heartlands, Pool near Redruth
* The Santa vs. Rudolph Fun Run on Saturday 13th December in Falmouth
* The Santa Beach Fun Run on Saturday 20th December in Newquay
Registration is online or by phone and costs £12 for adults and £7 for children which includes your every own Santa suit to keep. Everyone is asked to raise £20.14 in sponsorship and all proceeds go to supporting the vital work in the community by Cornwall Hospice Care. Every pound makes a difference.
Were you one of the participants of the Santa Fun Runs in past years? Why not tell everyone what you enjoyed in the comments box below and encourage others to sign up for the 2014 Santa Fun Run series in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.