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Dundee's Santa Dash to return for the first time since Covid pandemic hit city


Rob Thompson

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Dundee's Santa Dash to return for the first time since Covid pandemic hit city

Source - The Daily Record

By - Jon Davis

Date 05-11-2021

A sea of red suits and beards will flood Dundee later this year after organisers of the city's Santa Dash confirmed the event will return for 2021.

8_Dundee_Santa_Dash_AR.jpg

Taking place on Sunday December 5, the event will see would-be Saint Nicks complete either one or two loops of the city centre to raise money for charity.

Participants can walk, jog or run the route, which encompasses the high street, the McManus art gallery, West Bell Street and Reform Street, with the start/finish line at City Square.

This year's event - the first since 2019 - will support the charity Maggie's, which provides support to local people living with cancer and their loved ones from their base at Ninewells Hospital.

Dressing up is encouraged for all runners - whether on two legs or four
And until Monday November 8 you can get your Saint Nick on for less, with a 20% early bird discount on the entry fee that includes a full Santa suit for adults and under 16s and a Santa hat for the under 5s.

Under-3s can enter for free and while they won't get an outfit, they'll still get a medal and a certificate on the day as proof they took part.

Organisers Leisure and Culture Dundee hope to smash the attendance of the last event, which saw over 700 Father Christmases pound the pavements for a good cause.

Leisure & Culture Dundee's Sherridan Samson said: “The earlier everyone signs up, the more we can make for Maggie’s. That’s why we’ve introduced a special 20% off early bird offer for this year until 7 November. Sign-ups are really easy via our website.

“Christmas is a fantastic time of year and the sight of so many Santas in the city centre is sure to put everyone in the festive spirit after another difficult year.

"Whether running or walking we encourage everyone to get involved in such a worthwhile cause to support anyone with cancer and their families in Dundee and surrounding areas. It really is going to be a very special day."

Laura Boyd, fundraiser with Maggie's Dundee, added: “At Maggie’s we could not be more delighted to be the chosen charity for the Santa Dash and we are most grateful to Leisure & Culture Dundee and everyone who takes part in this fun and joyous event."

This year's event is also being sponsored by local business Nissen Christmas Trees, one of the UK's biggest growers of festive foliage.

The choice of Maggie's as a sponsor has a personal meaning for Amanda Nissen, co-owner of the firm.

She said: "We are especially glad to be sponsoring this event as Maggie’s is a really important charity in the city. Like many others, cancer has taken its toll on our family and Maggie’s continues to be a tremendous support to our communities.”

Edited by Rob Thompson
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Now this would be a fun sight to see, unfortunately Im getting a pedicure that day lest I would be up there :) 

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