Registration has now opened for one of Aberdeen’s most well-known annual events, the Santa Run, which helps raise vital funds for Charlie House to further support children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
Kick-starting the city’s festive calendar, The Santa Run is organised by Aberdeen City Council and takes place on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 5.20pm.
The popular event is known for its strong sense of community and sees local families gather together to walk or run the length of Union Street in traditional Santa outfits.
Participating Santas will have 30 minutes to complete the route from the Albyn and Union Street Junction down to the finish line at Castlegate, before being awarded a medal for their incredible efforts and supporting an important local cause.
Open to all abilities, including wheelchair users and their parents or carers, participants must be aged 16 or over to register themselves. For those aged 15 and under, individuals must be registered and accompanied by an adult throughout the event.
Santa suits and bib numbers can be collected from the check-in station at St Margaret's School for Girls from 3.30pm until 5pm on Sunday, November 19, 2023.
Entry fees are £15 per adult, £10 per child, £40 for a family of two adults and two children, and £12.50 for wheelchair users along with a parent or carer.
John Brebner, CEO of Charlie House said: “The Santa run is a much loved event in Aberdeen that always creates a brilliant atmosphere. At Charlie House, we prioritise activities that are accessible to all people, so this event is perfect for us to be involved in as a lot of the families we support can take part too.
“This is the fourth year that proceeds have gone towards Charlie House, and we’re extremely grateful to all those who take part and help us with our mission to help children and their families make precious memories together.”
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron said: “I am delighted to see the return of the Charlie House Santa Fun Run, it’s such a popular event in our Christmas events programme. The Santa Run is ideal for kickstarting the festive atmosphere in the city centre before our Christmas Lights Switch-on Parade – and seeing hundreds of Santas running down Union Street is a spectacular sight!
“Charlie House provides a truly vital service to many children and their families across our city and surrounding region and supporting them with events like these is essential for allowing them to continue delivering their much-needed resources and services. I would encourage anyone who wants to take part to sign up soon for a very worthy cause.”
Charlie House is a local Aberdeen-based charity which aims to improve the quality of life for children in the north-east of Scotland who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Its specialist team provides support sessions for families as well as incredible activities that are accessible and appropriate for each family's needs.
To register for The Santa Run 2023, with the option to donate and support the work of Charlie House, visit: https://www.charliehouse.org.uk/events/santa-run-2023