Glaswegians are being encouraged to take part in a virtual Santa Dash this Christmas in a bid to boost vital funding for the Beatson Cancer Charity.
Sadly, with coronavirus restrictions in place, the usual Santa Dash - which attracts thousands of people to Glasgow city centre - won't take place in 2020.
As such, on Saturday December 12 and Sunday December 13, you're being urged to grab your Santa hat and trainers, and go walking, running or cycling in your small, socially distanced groups!
The team behind the Santa Dash say: "Scotland’s leading cancer charity, Beatson Cancer Charity are encouraging people to take part in a virtual 5k Santa Dash on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December. Santa hat and trainers required; sleigh and Rudolph optional.
"The organisation was set to receive funds as the official charity partner of Glasgow’s Annual Santa Dash but the event sadly won’t go ahead this year, but as fundraising is so vital, they are encouraging people to take part in a virtual event in their local area, whether that’s in Glasgow or further afield.
"Grab your Santa hat and trainers and take part - whether it’s running, walking or cycling, participants are encouraged to remain safe within your small, socially distanced group wherever you are based. The charity hopes that supporters of the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre from across Scotland will take part to raise vital funds to support their work on the run up to Christmas.
"We will certainly miss the visual spectacle of thousands of Santas running up Glasgow’s St Vincent Street (or across Scotland), but now for this year, you can dress up in your festive attire and plot your own route! Complete a 5k in your local park, in your neighbourhood, by the lochside or seaside or on your treadmill at the gym.
"The charity is certain ‘Yule be glad you took part!’ as the exercise and endorphins are great for mental health and fundraisers will have the knowledge that they are supporting people affected by cancer, every step of the way, in a particularly difficult time for the charity and the people and families they support."
Lord Provost Philip Braat, President of the Beatson Cancer Charity commented: “It is very disappointing that the traditional Santa Dash has to be put on hold this year, but I think everyone will understand that we have to play safe at this very challenging time .“Our event partner, the Beatson Cancer Charity, has been working hard to create a virtual version of what has become a real highlight of the city’s build-up to Christmas.
“If you have taken part in the Santa Dash before or are just looking for a good reason to go for a run, I would urge you get involved with this year’s virtual Santa Dash. “In what has been an unbelievably difficult year, I am hoping the virtual Santa Dash will give many of us something positive to rally round.”
Maisie McCormick, Community Fundraising Manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We’re so excited to stage our own form of Santa Dash this year. We are calling on all wannabe Santa Dashers to help us. There will be many who are obviously disappointed about the cancellation of the usual calendar event but may still want to help a good cause this Christmas, and there are those who still want to do something festive with their family members or colleagues who want to team bond on an alternative to the Christmas team lunch and staff night out! “
Martin Cawley, CEO, echoes the need for support, adding “The Glasgow Santa Dash usually exceeds 8,000 entries and we are hoping the public and supporters will still want to participate closer to home. For a small donation, we will provide a lovely Santa hat, not a throw-away suit and we can follow everyone via our social media channels. Thank you for your support, it will make a huge difference to us.”
Share photos from your event using #BeatsonSantaDash and be sure to tag the charity. @Beatsoncharity on Instagram and on Twitter @Beatson_charity and on Facebook Beatson Cancer Charity. Register to take part at www.beatsoncancercharity.org.uk/santa-dash.
