Santa Dash Set to 'Sleigh' - Register Today!

Published: 12 October 2023

Ho, Ho, Ho! Registration is open for this year's iconic Glasgow Santa Dash.

Get your festive celebrations underway in style by raising money for your chosen charity while having fun with friends, family or colleagues.

Individuals, clubs and charities are invited to register for the much-loved fundraising event which will return to the city on Sunday December 10th at 10am.

Last year, there was a carnival atmosphere when almost 4000 runners young and old dressed as Santa, elves and even a dinosaur took to the new 5K route - some with prams and dogs in tow! The frosty weather and Christmas tunes added to the festive fun as participants celebrated the return of the first live Santa Dash since the Covid 19 pandemic. Participants raised money for a range of charities and organisations and volunteers helped make the event a huge success. This year's event, which will be started by Glasgow's Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, is expected to be a real Christmas cracker!

The route will be around Glasgow Green and the Gorbals again this year and there will be a fun, instructor led warm-up to festive tunes.

Any profits from the Glasgow City Council event, will be split between the Lord Provost's Charity Fund which helps children and vulnerable citizens across the city and Beatson Cancer Charity.

Anyone keen to raise sponsorship for the Lord Provost's Charity Fund can do so via the JustGiving page.

Glasgow's Lord Provost, Councillor Jacqueline McLaren, said: "Glasgow's Santa Dash is a wonderful, uplifting family event which gets children and adults into the festive spirit. It is a great morning with plenty of fun and laughter and the sea of Santas running the route is a truly impressive sight.

"As well as being a lovely Christmas event, the Santa Dash helps people raise funds for a whole range of charities which help those in need in Glasgow and further afield.

"I'd encourage anyone interested to register as soon as possible and join the fun while doing their bit for charity."

Donations can also be made via Beatson Cancer Charity's JustGiving page.

Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: "We are so excited for the Santa Dash to take place again this year.

"Last year's event was a great success and we loved seeing everyone in their festive t-shirts and outfits at Glasgow Green.

"Santa Dash participants have helped raise over £400,000 for our charity since 2016, which is absolutely incredible.

"Everyone who signs up to take part this year will be continuing to support cancer patients and their families across Scotland."

Participants will be able to enjoy free bus travel to and from the event courtesy of First Bus again this year. 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. 

Register to take part in the Santa Dash.

Entry costs £16 per adult and £6 per child under the age of 16 years.

Registration will close on Friday December 8th 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 store in St Enoch's Shopping Centre, Glasgow, ahead of the event. Further details will be included in registration packs.