Red sea of Santas to hit streets for good cause

By The Newsroom
Published 14th Dec 2007, 09:33 BST
Updated 14th Dec 2007, 10:21 BST
IT may not be the most appropriate attire for a 1.5km run, but this Sunday, thousands of people of all shapes and sizes will don Santa costumes for a race with a difference around Princes Street Gardens.

The annual Great Scottish Santa Run will be kicked off this year by local Joseph stars Keith Jack and Craig Chalmers.

More than 2500 people took part last year and organisers hope to smash that figure on Sunday.

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Every adult will be given a Santa suit to wear, while under-12s will get an elf hat to keep after the race.

Every child who finishes the race will also get a medal.

The event, which starts at 11am, aims to raise 25,000 for When You Wish Upon a Star, which helps improve the quality of life for youngsters with serious or life-threatening illnesses.

Keith, from Dalkeith, and Craig, from Corstorphine, found fame in the reality show Any Dream Will Do and are taking time out from performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Playhouse to start the race.

Keith said: “We’re delighted to have been asked to launch this year’s Great Scottish Santa Run. It’s really great to be part of something that will help to make some very special Christmas dreams come true.”

John Lewis staff will be supporting the competitors offering mulled wine to all adults wearing a Santa suit and mince pies for the youngsters.

The run around the gardens is part of one of a weekend of Santa-themed events in the Capital

Throughout the weekend, West Princes Street Gardens will host a range of family activities, including storytelling, visits from the real Santa Claus and reindeer from the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre. Nickie Gott, Edinburgh’s Christmas producer and Santa Weekend organiser, said: “This is always a really popular couple of days, and such a brilliant event for Edinburgh. We want to give children the opportunity to enjoy the magic of Christmas.”

Hat Kata tents from Lapland will stage children’s activities and storytelling sessions as well as free workshops for youngsters.

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Margaret Rowarth, of the When You Wish Upon a Star charity, said: “Over the years, the money raised through this event has given children who are very ill the very special opportunity to see their wish come true.”

The weekend’s entertainment starts at 11.45am tomorrow with the opening of Santa’s Reindeer Garden. Santa will arrive at noon to feed the reindeer, tell a story and pick up his mail from children.

He will return every day at 1pm and 4pm until December 23.

To register to take part in Sunday’s run, visit the website at www.thesantarun.org.uk, or turn up on the day between 8am and 10am.