It's virtually Santa in Exeter

Run to be online

Hundreds of Santas are expected to run virtually in Exeter this year, replacing the annual gathering in the city centre, which last year attracted 600 Father Christmases, only one of whom could possibly be real.

The City Community Trust, which organises the event want people to complete 2.5k or 5k in any way they like - and already some novel modes of moving are planned, from paddleboarding to cycling and even climbing Santas.

Determined not to let the events be curtailed by coronavirus, and spurred on by the popularity of the virtual London Marathon, the charity will stage the event over a week at the beginning of December. People can choose when, where and how they take part. The only requirement is they have to be dressed up in their best Christmas-themed outfits. All entrants will receive a race number, Santa hat and medal, or they can choose a Santa suit if they wish.

Pete Ferlie, City Community Trust race director, said: ‘This has been a difficult year for runners, whether that is people who run for fun, like many of the participants in our annual Santa Run, or the competitive entrants who enter our longer distance events.

‘We decided to go virtual with the Santa Run to give people something to train for, get them out enjoying their running and, the really fun part, experience the camaraderie of other runners taking part in the event. And they don’t have to run; they can walk, skip, jog, scoot, even paddleboard – the list is endless – just as long as they are moving and having fun. This will be a great event for schools, community groups, workplaces and other sports and running clubs to get involved in.’

The deadline for entries is Wednesday, 25 November. For more information, or to sign up visit https://exetercct.org/courses-events/running-events/