Stamford’s Santa Fun Run returns, bringing festive fun and Ho-Ho-Hope to local causes

This year’s run - now in its 18th year - will raise money for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, alongside MindSpace Stamford and The Rotary Club of Stamford St Martins.

Open to all ages and fitness levels, the event offers three scenic routes through Burghley Park: the one-mile Elves’ Escape, the two-mile Reindeer Run and the three-mile Santa Special. The fun begins at 11am with music and a high-energy warm-up led by motivator Emma Vaughan, before being officially opened by local celebrity Colin Furze.

Delia Calder, 60, from Stamford, leads the event’s sponsorship team. She shared her pride ahead of the big day: “We’re incredibly proud to give back through this event. Many of us have experienced first-hand the outstanding care provided by Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice and it’s a cause that really resonates throughout the club and wider community.”

Delia is keen to point out that the event is open to everyone. She said: “The event is inclusive - everyone is welcome - from pushchairs and wheelchairs to festive wheelbarrows. Participants don’t need to complete the full 5K route, and everyone receives a Santa suit, finisher’s medal, and festive refreshments.”

New for 2025 is the Best Dressed Dog competition, judged by Wildwood Pets, who are kindly donating a festive hamper for the winning canine. There will also be an expanded selection of food and drink to keep everyone energised before the run, including the much-anticipated arrival of a bacon butty van.

This year’s Race Village promises plenty of festive fun, with highlights including a special appearance by the real Santa, who’ll be waiting in his sleigh to greet children and collect their Christmas wish lists. Every child who posts a letter will receive a personalised reply, adding a sprinkle of magic to the day.

The event, which attracts participants from Stamford, Peterborough, Rutland, Bourne, Grantham and beyond, is the culmination of months of planning and teamwork.

“The Stamford Striders took over the event from the Rotary Club about five years ago, and we’ve worked hard to build on their legacy,” Delia explained. “They’re still heavily involved and come to our meetings - it’s a real team effort.

“We start planning in January with cheque presentations to our beneficiaries, and then we’re straight back into meetings. It’s a year-round effort, but so worth it.

“I remember standing at the start line one year and watching this snake of Santas winding through Burghley Park, you just couldn’t make it up. It looked amazing. And knowing the money is going to such good causes, really makes it all worthwhile.”

“We want everyone to have a lovely time, and that’s what it’s all about - raising as much money as we can for the local community while making sure people enjoy themselves.”

Entry fees are£16 for adults, £9 for children aged 5-12, while children under 4 go free.

Tickets are limited to 1,700 participants and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. No entries will be accepted on the day if sold out.

To register or find out more, visit Home - Stamford Santa Fun Run

To find out more about Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, visit: www.sueryder.org/thorpehall