As a co-world record holder (along with around 4,000 other runners) who paraded around the streets of Liverpool last December in assorted Santa costumes, I fully intend to have another bash at this one.
The event was a really good laugh and there was a fantastic atmosphere. It's for all the family (children, babies, dogs all there last year!!) and it was a fun way to bring my year of running to a conclusion.
Who else is up for it then? Tell your friends about it!!
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I just loved the idea of running with thousands of people dressed as santa, I spent more time walking and looking at everyones costumes etc then I did running, but then I don't think that this race is ideal for a PB :-D
It's not an accurately measured course, so any potential PB baggers would be disappointed. That said, with the numbers involved, it is nigh on impossible to build up a good head of speed, but even if you did, I found it gets darned hot in those Santa suits and the hats are extremely good at heat retention! I must have shed some weight during last years race - only to put it back on during the seasonal festivities of the weeks that followed!!
The world record was confirmed for Liverpool following last years race but from what I read, L'pool are looking to try and beat their own WR this December!!
So does this mean it effectively costs £32.50 to take part in the race? I was going to suggest to some mates going for a Christmas night-out type thingy on the Saturday night in Liverpool, then doing the Santa Dash in the morning. But I doubt I could convince them if its £32.50 (including sponsorships) rather than just being able to pay the £12.50.
for the most santas having a drunken fight!
The bit about each participant raising £20 in sponsorship was there last year too. Like most things, it's the serious bit of a fun event, where people can have a good laugh from doing the Dash but also do a bit of good in the process. Of course, it's up to each entrant as to how they cover the £20, if you choose to stump for it yourself then yes, it does effectively cost you £32.50 to enter! However, it doesn't take much effort to raise £20 by doing a very simple sponsored event at a workplace or club or even amongst a group of mates in the pub one night!
Last year, I decided to adapt the football card theme that is commonly used as a fundraiser, only instead of it being a grid containing the different names of football teams, I substituted this for a range of finishing times that I might do in the race. I split the most likely 5 minute period that I would expect to run approx 5k into 30 boxes of 10 secs per box and people guess at your predicted finish time. If you charge £1 per box, you raise £30 which is split £10 to the winner and £20 to the charity. Problem solved and it doesn't cost you any extra!!
After the run, was even funnier, loads of santas walking around liverpool shopping!
This is a FUN run, no seriousness please!
Is there ample parking for reindeer??
No chips, no prizes, but a really great way to kick off the festive season, even if it does get really hot in the felt Santa suit, and you do breathe in a whole bunch of beard in the sprint finish. I'm bringing a whole posse this year, on the basis that it's good for your 'elf.
Soz.
I hadn't considered suggesting something more constructive than just asking for cash donations so will try to come up with ways to convince people the sponsorship fee is easily achievable.
..also, do you have to enter kids? or can you just bring them along on the day?
Very confusing isn't it...
I'm sure there are loads more around the country, it's just that these were the only ones I know about. I'm leaning towards the Oswestry one mainly due to it being my preferred charity out of the Liverpool, Newtown and Oswestry options.
BHF are also doing Ruddington (near Nottingham), Birmingham and Cardiff on 10th December.
http://www.bhf.org.uk/eventfinder/searchresults.aspx
As well as those listed above, there's also one in London, and there's been one in Isle of Man in the past, but this has got to be the biggest and the best.
Don't expect a PB - the Big Dig continues, so who knows where the course will be this year. The only thing guaranteed is the Fun part of Fun Run
Thanks W.Dave for posting about the BHF event in Manchester - might look into that!
granted you won't beat the real one.
The speed he goes xmas day :-0
Pass that pie.........
The only problem I also discovered is that if you lose your mates whilst running you haven't a hope of finding them as everyone, or course, looks the same!!
He did a couple of 2 mile runs beforehand at a respectable 9 minute mile pace but he struggled with the hills in the city centre on the day and got very hot in the Santa suit so our time was more like 35 minutes.
This year he wants to do a few more training runs and beat 30 minutes - I think he might be influenced by his Dad?
Castle street was jam packed and it was almost impossible to get into any of the coffee bars to meet up before or after the race. Both my Wife and Mum came to support my son but they couldn't find us in amongst the thousands in identical suits. If anyone wants to meet up for a coffee or perhaps something stronger after the race then it might be a good idea to decamp to the Albert dock or somewhere away from the thick of it - but you must still wear the suit!
My wife took a sponsorship form into work and most people were impressed that a 12 year old was running 5k - he earned quite a bit of money for charity.
Looking forward to the atmosphere anyway.