Glasgow's Santa Dash Returns for 1st Time in 3 Years

Published: 13th of October, 2022

Runners are limbering up for Glasgow's first Santa Dash in three years.

The much-loved Christmas event will return to the city on Sunday December 11th at 10am and anyone keen to take part is under starters orders - as registration is now OPEN!

A new route around Glasgow Green and the Gorbals will be in place for the iconic 5K family fun run and this year's event will also be more sustainable. Reusable T-shirts printed with Santa suits will replace the old single use costumes.

Runners who take part in the sponsored event can raise funds for their chosen charity and any profits from the event will be split between the Beatson Cancer Charity and the Lord Provost's Children's Fund.

Anyone keen to raise sponsorship for the Beatson Cancer Charity can also do so via their JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/glasgow-santa-dash2022

Participants can enjoy free bus travel to and from the event courtesy of First Bus. Registered runners can download the First Bus app and enter a code which will be included in their entry pack to receive free bus travel on the day.

Glasgow's first Santa Dash took place in 2006 and quickly became a firm favourite in the city's events calendar. It attracted 8000 runners in 2018 and has raised more than £350,000 for various charities since it started. The pandemic has prevented the live event taking place in recent years but it is now back due to popular demand!

Glasgow's Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, said: "I'm thrilled that the Santa Dash is returning this year after an almost three year break due to the pandemic. It is always such a joyful family event which puts a smile on everyone's faces. It signals that Christmas is coming and enables people to support charities which are especially hard-pressed this year.

"The new route will bring an added dimension to the festivities and I can't wait to watch a sea of Santas running round Glasgow Green after the starter's gun is fired! I'm sure there will be a celebratory atmosphere as it makes its big return and that people will be eager to sign up, have some fun and support their favourite charities."

Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: "We are so excited for the Santa Dash to be back in a live format for the first time since 2019.

"Our charity has been incredibly grateful to receive support from Santa Dash participants since 2016 - and this year is no different. 

"Everyone who signs up to take part will be helping to make a difference to cancer patients and their families across Scotland.

"Round up your families, friends and workplaces to do something fun during the festive season - we can't wait to see you all there!"

Register to take part in the Santa Dash at www.glasgow.gov.uk/santadash

Entry costs £15 per adult and £5 per child under the age of 16 years. Registration closes on Friday December 9th at 4pm. Families can bring babies in prams to take part in the run as well as dogs - but will be in the last group to set off for safety reasons. Run numbers and T-shirts will be available for collection from a central location ahead of the event. Details will be confirmed to those who have registered next month.