Festive feeling to annual fun run
Santa squad steps out to raise cash for developing countries
Published:
HUNDREDS of festive fundraisers gathered in Aberdeen yesterday to take part in the city’s annual Santa Run.
The runners, all dressed as Father Christmas, braved the elements for the second annual event, organised by Nairn-based charity WildHeart.
The Santa Squad kicked off the 3.7-mile (6k) challenge at Pittodrie Stadium where they took part in a warm-up aerobics class, led by Dons mascot Angus the Bull, before running, walking or jogging along the city’s beachfront. One group of Santas rumbled into town for the event on rather unusual sleighs, with a pack of bikers riding along a section of the route fully kitted out in their festive gear — on Harley Davidsons.
All the money raised from the event will be used to provide micro-loans and business training to people living in developing countries.
WildHearts founder Mick Jackson hailed the event a great success.
He said: “Following the phenomenal success of our inaugural Aberdeen Santa Run in 2008, we were delighted to bring the event back to the granite city – even bigger and better than last year.
“It was particularly heartening to see people come from right across the north-east and from beyond Aberdeen to take part in what was a truly inspirational day of fun and fundraising. Just under 1,000 people took part, including spectators and the bikers.
“With all money raised from the event being used in the fight against poverty, participants have made a real difference to the lives of some of the world's poorest people, as well as enjoying an amazing day."
At the same time around 70 people donned Santa suits yesterday for Oldmeldrum Rotary Club’s 3.1-mile (5k) fun run around Haddo Country Park.
Half of the proceeds raised, which is expected to be around £1,500, will be donated to the Rotary charity Polio Plus, that aims to eradicate the disease worldwide.
The remainder will go to causes chosen by the entrants, event organiser and Oldmeldrum Rotarian Lara Anderson said.
