Santas get on their marks well ahead of December dash

CHARITY: Early bird promotion offers 20% off charity race entry price

This year’s Santa Dash was launched in Dundee yesterday and participants are already getting sweaty in their red suits.

The fundraiser will take place on December 1, with proceeds going to the ARCHIE Foundation, the official sponsor for Tayside Children’s Hospital.

Some of the Santas took to the treadmill yesterday, donning red suits for a session in the Olympia’s fitness suite to start getting in shape for the run.

To encourage people to sign up, organisers have offered 20% off entry until October 20.

Entries can be submitted online or at Dundee Ice Arena, Olympia and Dundee Central Library.

More than 600 runners took part last year and it is hoped the 2019 race will be just as popular.

The closed-road event will start and finish in Dundee’s City Square, following a 2km route through the city centre.

Santas will head along High Street to the Murraygate then cut along Panmure Street past the Mcmanus and go round West Bell Street and Ward Road before heading towards Reform Street to return to City Square, and if they are feeling energetic, they will be cheered on for a second lap.

Garry Smith, events manager at Leisure and Culture Dundee, urged people to start collecting sponsorship.

He said: “The earlier everyone signs up, the more we can make for the ARCHIE Foundation.

“Christmas is a fantastic time of year and the sight of so many Santas in the city centre is sure to put everyone in the festive spirit.

“Whether running or walking, we encourage everyone to get involved in such a worthwhile cause for sick children in Dundee and Tayside.”

Sarah Johnston, fundraising manager at the ARCHIE Foundation, said: “The Santa Dash is such a fun event and we are once again looking forward to seeing the city centre flooded with red Santa suits.

“It really is quite a spectacle. It would be fantastic to see as many people as possible take up the early bird offer.

“Once signed up, participants can do their own fundraising on Virgin Money.

“Whether they can raise £50 or £500 it will really help make the difference for sick children in Tayside.”

“Christmas is a fantastic time of year and the sight of so many Santas in the city centre is sure to put everyone in the festive spirit

GARRY SMITH OF LEISURE AND CULTURE DUNDEE

Picture: Kris Miller. Linda Meiklejohn from the ARCHIE Foundation, Sherridan Samson, Garry Smith, Steph Fender and Niamh Paterson in training for this year’s Santa Dash on December 1.