The Santa Fun Run, held last year (8th December) was a huge success, with over 800 participants donning Santa suits to raise money for two local charities, Jeremiah’s Journey and Shekinah.
The event, organised by Saltram Rotary Club, with support from Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, raised £7,400 nearly 50% more than the previous year. The final total will be split equally between the two charities.
Jon Walton and Kim Downer, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership:
“Wow! We can’t thank all those who took part in the Santa Fun Run enough – what an amazing amount of money raised for our two chosen local charities. Events like this take months of planning so to see all the hard work pay off with not only the number of people taking part, but the final donation amount is really quite something. The stunning waterfront and thankfully sunny weather created a real spectacle in Britain’s Ocean City.
We must say a huge thank you to all the participants, volunteers, sponsors, and community members who made this event such a success.”
Roger Punch, Saltram Rotary Club:
“The sea of Santas swirling around the Barbican and The Hoe on Sunday 8th December was spectacular! Saltram Rotary Club have been organising the Plymouth Santa Fun Run for many years, but this most recent fun run was one of the very best.
The Barbican is the perfect setting for this type of event, and, with the invaluable support of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, it is growing fast – a true landmark in Plymouth’s calendar, attracting hundreds of runners, joggers, walkers and their supporters into the city at the start of the all-important Christmas season.
Being able to raise £7,400 for two massively worthy local charities, Shekinah and Jeremiah’s Journey, is a privilege. We are already looking forward to this year’s run! Entries will open in September.”
John Naismith, Jeremiah’s Journey:
“We cannot thank Saltram Rotary Club enough. The Plymouth Santa Fun Run is a fantastic event and we are so grateful to be a part of it. Organising it is a massive team effort and the hard work throughout the year of all those involved in the 2024 run has resulted in the most amazing donations to Jeremiah’s Journey and our friends at Shekinah.
We must add our thanks to Plymouth Waterfront Partnership who with the support of the waterfront businesses provide the perfect location. We know Christmas has arrived in Plymouth when almost a thousand Santas run around the Barbican and The Hoe on the first Sunday in December. It is a joyous event and the monies raised will change the lives of local children, young people and families supported by Jeremiah’s Journey.”
Kristy Winters, Shekinah:
“A huge thank you to the Saltram Rotary Club for another incredible Plymouth Santa Fun Run! We are honoured to have been chosen alongside Jeremiah’s Journey as one of their charities, and truly grateful for the support. This event brings so much joy to the city, and the funds raised will go a long way in helping us continue our work at Shekinah, supporting those who need it most.
A special shout-out to Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and all the local businesses who help create such a magical atmosphere. Thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and supported this fantastic event – your generosity makes a real difference.”
Participants of all ages, including canine friends, took part in the Santa Fun Run and enjoyed the fun run, jolly jog, or wonderful walk (2.5km or 5km route) through the city’s beautiful waterfront. All participants received a free Santa suit and a finishing medal, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.
When the event returns later this year, on Sunday 7th December, the aim is for a 1,000 Santas to take part!
ENDS
Image from left to right:
John Naismith (Jeremiah’s Journey), Malcom Garrett (President of Saltram Rotary Club), Daniella Austin (Shekinah), Kristy Winters (Shekinah), Jon Walton (Plymouth Waterfront Partnership) and Kim Downer (Plymouth Waterfront Partnership)
