Edinburgh Santa Run 2011

Nearly 1500 ‘Santas’ came together on a sunny Edinburgh morning today, Sunday 11 December, to take part in The Great Edinburgh Santa Run in Princes Street Gardens, and The Reporter was there taking part! We noticed that Councillor Steve Cardownie who posed for photos at the start in a Santa suit, and then led the runners off, only ran for about 100 paces before peeling off to the side…..

The event attracted people of all ages dressed as Santas to run, walk and toddle around this year’s adapted circuit which included a portion on the newly pedestrianised Princes Street.  This year’s fundraising Santas were also treated to a special Zumba warm up by UK Zumba® Specialist, Donna Giffen, to loosen them up before the run.

As well as Zumba there was plenty of singing with the Edinburgh Rock Choir there to get us all in the mood!

An annual highlight of Edinburgh’s Christmas, the Santa Run raises funds for the children’s charity, When You Wish Upon a Star, which specialises in making dreams come true for children with life threatening illnesses.

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Commenting on the run, Nickie Gott, managing director of event producer She’s Gott It! said:  “The Great Edinburgh Santa Run is a wonderful Christmas event and one that young and old can take part in and enjoy.  It’s fantastic to have so many people come together in the name of charity and there’s been a brilliant buzz all day.  Everyone seemed to have a great time and to see Princes Street teeming with Santas and elves was a truly memorable experience.”

Margaret Rowarth, Scottish appeals manager for When You Wish Upon A Star, commended the runners and organisers alike:  “There is always a magical atmosphere at this event and people continue to be so charitable.  We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support we receive and all money raised will go to grant the wishes of Scottish Children in 2012.  It was thrilling to see everyone have such a good time and we would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh’s Christmas producers, She’s Gott It!, and all our volunteers for their respective contributions to yet another successful Santa Run.”