Santa Run worldwide: Charity run in Christmas costumes
From Pristina to Osaka, thousands of people around the world run dressed in Christmas costumes for a good cause. The Santa Run combines sport, fun, and fundraising — and is becoming increasingly popular.
Santa Run in December
Every December, the Santa Run transforms cities around the world into a moving sea of red. People dressed as Santa Claus run through parks and city centers to collect donations for the needy, children's charities, or health projects. The run combines athletic enjoyment with solidarity and marks the start of the Christmas season for many.
Pristina runs for those in need
In Pristina, the city center is bathed in red and white colors. Hundreds of people dressed in Santa costumes run through Kosovo's capital to collect donations for families in need. The run is more than just a sporting event: It is a visible sign of social responsibility and a winter community ritual with a clear mission.
Selfies, dogs, neighborhoods
Hundreds of people are also preparing for the Christmas run in Mexico City. They have gathered in the Santa Fe district, and some are quickly taking selfies before the race starts. Dogs and their owners run side by side here, and sometimes both are dressed up in costumes. The Santa Run is becoming a social gathering place: accessible, cheerful, and open to everyone.
Second coat
The run takes participants on either a five-kilometer (three-mile) or — for particularly athletic people and dogs — a 10-kilometer route through La Mexicana Park in Mexico City. It's good to have four legs for this route, rather than just two. And the Santa outfit not only looks good on this four-legged friend, it also protects him from the cold.
Tradition meets fun
In Lincoln, England, the Christmas run winds its way through the city center. The route is four kilometers long and has been declared a "fun run." The run kicks off the holiday season and combines exercise with fundraising for local initiatives.
Busy in Budapest
The race also takes place in Hungary's capital, Budapest, where the route runs along the Danube and under the Liberty Bridge. Around 5,000 people take part, divided into three categories: families, amateurs, and professionals. The Santa Run combines sporting diversity with urban flair.
Parade with history
In Osaka, the Christmas parade winds its way around the castle park. Accompanied by the mascot "Taikouhan," around 4,000 Santas complete the four-kilometer route. The event began in 2008 as a Santa Run, but has since been toned down and transformed into a festive parade. The entry fees are donated to organizations that care for sick children.
Edinburgh: Running for a good cause
In Edinburgh, too, Santas are taking to the starting line to help children with life-threatening illnesses. The proceeds go to a charity organization called "When You Wish Upon a Star." The run combines the Scottish winter backdrop with concrete help — every kilometer counts.
St. Nicholas Run near Berlin
The Michendorf Santa Run took place for the 17th time this year. Santas of all ages run southwest of Germany's capital, Berlin. The traditional run combines a festive atmosphere with a charitable cause and is now established as a fixture in the German winter calendar.