Covid-safe Santa Fun Run event in Eastbourne will help spread festive cheer this Christmas - sign up now

The Eastbourne Santa Fun Run will take place virtually, with runners in crazy Santa dress running any distance, anywhere and at any time on 20 December, all while wearing a Santa costume and adhering to the social distancing guidelines in place at the time.

Open to both adults and children, entries opened on Monday 16 November, with a Santa costume and medal posted to each participant in advance. Runners are encouraged to run across the streets, seafront, gardens and downland for their favourite charity, or alternatively for this year’s Mayor’s Charity – People Matter.

With suggested distances of 5km or 10km, runners can choose how far they wish to run and then share photos in social media of their festive frolics using #EBSantaFunRun.

For those unable to run on 20 December, the event will remain open until 25 December for any last minute Santa dashes.

Cllr Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council lead cabinet member for tourism and enterprise, said “This is a fantastic way to support your local community and enjoy some healthy exercise all while injecting a little bit of festive fun.

“We’d love to see the streets of Eastbourne come alive with a merriment of decorated Santas, and we can’t wait to see all of your fun photos and crazy costumes as a result.

“We hope the event will raise lots of money for local charities, and for those undecided about their chosen charity, we hope you can support this year’s Mayor’s Charity - People Matter.

“Their work has never been as important as it is now in the current economic climate, supporting jobseekers with information, advice and expert guidance to enable them to find suitable work and realise their full potential.”

Entry costs £15 per adult, £10 per child and £40 for a family of four (two adults and two children), and includes a choice of either a Santa costume or dress and a medal for each participant, posted in advance. Under 16’s must run with a parent or guardian. Entrants can also add a donation to the Mayor’s Charity People Matter during the checkout stage if they wish.

Santas must adhere to social distancing guidelines at the time during their run and photos can be shared through social media using #EBSantaFunRun.

The Eastbourne Santa Fun Run is organised by Eastbourne Borough Council’s Events team. Entries close at 2pm on November 30. To enter please visit www.EBSantaFunRun.com.

The picture above was taken by Graham Huntley at a previous event.