Christmas in Gloucester wouldn’t really be Christmas without the city’s annual Santa Fun Run.

This year’s event takes place on Saturday 9^th December with organisers hoping to build on the success of 12 months ago.

It’s fun, festive and raises money for charity, so ticks every box at what is, after all, a very special time of year.

The event, which is organised by the Rotary Club of Gloucester and supported by Gloucester BID and Cass-Stephens Insurances Ltd, attracted more than 300 people in 2022, all in fancy dress, so has become established in the city’s calendar.

“It’s a great event,” said Chris Nyland, who is vice-chairman of Gloucester BID. “It brings people onto the streets of our city and everybody has a good time.

“We want as many people as possible to support the event. It’s always special seeing people dressed up as Santa running around Gloucester. It’s quite a spectacle.”

This year’s event gets under way at 10am in Kings Square outside the old Debenhams building, with registration open at 9.30am.

Those taking part can run, jog or walk a five-kilometre route or a one-kilometre route – it’s not a race – with the emphasis very much on having fun.

But while there will be miles of smiles on the faces of those taking part – and the spectators! – there is a serious side to the Santa Fun Run too because last year it raised more than £2,400 for local charities.

The registration fee is £6 for adults and £4 for under-16s, while teams of four can pay £20. Blue badge holders and wheelchair users can take part for free.  

The first Santa Fun Run in Gloucester took place in 2017.