Santa Run 2017 - Frequently Asked Questions

Here you'll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Santa Run 2017.

When and where?

The 2017 Do it for Charity Santa Run will take place on Sunday 3rd December in London’s Victoria Park. This parkland venue offers a perfect setting for you to enjoy your run on behalf of Age UK London! Costume collection will be from 9:45am with the run due to start from approximately 11:00am. The children’s fun run will take place before the main challenge at around 10.30am.

What’s included?

• Your place in London’s biggest Santa Run!

• A free Santa costume!

• A Santa’s grotto and Christmas themed characters who are dressed up and ready to meet the participants!

• You will automatically be set up with a Do It For Charity Santa Run fundraising page when you sign up so you can get started right away!

• A children's fun run at the beginning of the event!

• A carol singing choir to add some magic to the day!

• Big stage warm-up to make sure you are ready to run!

• Training guidance!

• Fundraising support!

• Full route signage – so we don’t have any Santa’s getting lost!

• Dedicated ‘Do it for Charity’ events team who are on hand with advice!

• A medal when you race through the finish line!

How fit do I need to be?

Hundreds of thousands of people take part in 5km and 10km runs every year - many of them for the first time. It's therefore perfectly achievable for the 'average' person to take part in this event but in order to maximise your enjoyment we do recommend you do some training! Help is also on hand in the form of the www.doitforcharity.com fitness pages where you can find a sample training plan – Age UK London will also be able to direct you to training resources. A good place to start for beginners would be the NHS ‘Couch to 5K’ training programme.

What kit will I need?

Running is one of those great sports where you won't need lots of expensive equipment. A good pair of running shoes should last for around 500 miles which is 8 months on an average 15 miles/week training schedule. Once again help is at hand in the form of www.doitforcharity.com kit pages where you will learn the importance of choosing the correct shoes. Please note however that it’s important that you buy them at least a couple of months before the event itself so you have a chance to wear them in!

Do it for Charity Santa costumes will be provided for you on the day free of charge, so don’t forget to pick one up! Alternatively, feel free to bring your own costume – Santa’s elves are welcome too!

How much does it cost?

The registration fee for the event is £25 – this goes directly to Do it for Charity and covers the cost of putting on London’s biggest Santa Run… and you get a free Santa costume thrown in too! Age UK London are asking you to commit to raising a minimum sponsorship of £100 on top of this.

Who can I contact with further questions?

George Harvey, Communications Officer, via email, or by phone: 020 7820 6778