A sea of Santa's are to set the scene ahead of this year’s ‘Christmas in Aberdeen’ opening celebrations, including the Union Street Christmas parade and light switch on Sunday, November 25.
The Charlie House Santa Fun Run, supported by Aberdeen City Council, invites families to take part and run down the full length of Union Street dressed in Santa’s traditional outfit.
The distance needs to be completed within 30 minutes and families are invited to run or walk the course which is open to all abilities including wheelchair users and their parents/carers.
The fun run route will see the festive runners travel from Union Street at the Albyn Place/Union Street junction, to Castle Street. To register for the Charlie House Santa Fun Run you must be 16 years of age or older on event day. Entrants aged 15 and under must be entered by a parent or guardian and must always be accompanied during the event.
Entry fees are £10 per adult, £10 per child, £35 for a family of two adults and up to three children, £10 for wheelchair users and parent/carers and includes a bib number, Santa suit and finishers medal.
Susan Crighton, director of fundraising for Charlie House, said: “We are thrilled to host the very first Charlie House Santa Fun Run down Union Street. It will be such a unique and festive experience and will set the scene for the rest of the evening’s proceedings with the Aberdeen City Council annual Christmas parade and light switch on following straight after. It will certainly spark the festive mood and will be a wonderful sight!
"We are delighted that this inclusive event is open to wheelchair users and their parents/carers which mirrors our mission as a charity to offer support services to babies, children and young people with complex disabilities and life-limiting conditions in the North-east of Scotland.”
Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson said: “Aberdeen City Council is delighted to support the Charlie House Santa Fun Run. Hundreds of Santas running down Union Street will be a welcome addition to the Christmas celebrations and it’s sure to be a spectacular sight. I would encourage anyone who wants to take part to sign up soon for a worthy cause.
“We are making a concerted effort to raise the city’s profile through our ambitious Aberdeen 365 events programme and the City Centre Masterplan. By expanding traditional celebrations, alongside new events such as The Great Aberdeen Run, and working with external organisations such as Charlie House, we are continuing to strengthen the city’s position as a must-visit destination.”
To enter the Charlie House Santa Fun Run 2018 and secure your places for this unique event, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/charlie-house-santa-fun-run-2018-tickets-50393129206
Charlie Dog, Susan Crighton, Cllr Marie Boulton and Spotless the leopard