Edinburgh Santas run the Street

Capital Sees Red as Santas Get Moving For Charity

An annual highlight of Edinburgh’s Christmas, the Santa Run raises funds for the children’s charity, When You Wish Upon a Star, which specialises in making dreams come true for children with life threatening illnesses.

Red was certainly the dominant colour today as this year saw nearly 1500 ‘Santas’ come together on a sunny Edinburgh morning today, Sunday 11 December, to take part in The Great Edinburgh Santa Run in Princes Street Gardens.

As ever there where Santas and Elves of all shapes sizes and ages even our four legged friends where not left out and were suitably adorned with antlers, white beards and a variety Christmas decorations. The route this year took in some of Princess Street which added an extra challenge for a few of the competitive dads amongst the throng.

As an early treat to warm up the Santas the fantastic Edinburgh Rock Choir was in full voice and soon had the Santas and Elves singing along. With the voices warmed up it was time for a more extensive workout with a special Zumba warm up by UK Zumba® Specialist, Donna Giffen, to loosen the Santas up before the run.

And then to the sound a mass pipe band the Santas where off and running, well most of them anyway.

Commenting on the run, Nickie Gott, managing director of event producer She’s Gott It! said:  “The Great Edinburgh Santa Run is a wonderful Christmas event and one that young and old can take part in and enjoy.  It’s fantastic to have so many people come together in the name of charity and there’s been a brilliant buzz all day.  Everyone seemed to have a great time and to see Princes Street teeming with Santas and elves was a truly memorable experience.”

Margaret Rowarth, Scottish appeals manager for When You Wish Upon A Star, commended the runners and organisers alike:  “There is always a magical atmosphere at this event and people continue to be so charitable.  We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support we receive and all money raised will go to grant the wishes of Scottish Children in 2012.  It was thrilling to see everyone have such a good time and we would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh’s Christmas producers, She’s Gott It!, and all our volunteers for their respective contributions to yet another successful Santa Run.”