It all began 50 years ago in the Baltics, and now nearly every major European city has its own Santa Run. Budapest's turn is coming up on 8th December for the 9th time, and everyone's invited! Just one rule: participants must race in Santa costume – but don't worry, it's included with your registration. And while the event will be a spectacle for sure, it will also support a good cause.
The race kicks off and finishes on Fővám tér, and depending on the distance you pick, you'll run along the embankments, and even through the famous shopping street Váci utca and Március 15. tér. Families are also welcome to join, with a friendly 1 km route available (and two time slots to choose from). You can also opt for the 2.3 km and 5 km distances – up to you! As a bonus, there’s even a surprise snowfall in store – though it’ll be the artificial kind.
This year, registrations are already soaring, so you're in for a buzzing crowd. Around 60% of the racers are women, and one in every ten participants is from abroad. It's shaping up to be quite the international event, and we wouldn't wait long to sign up!
'Bring a present into the sack' is the campaign's slogan, encouraging everyone to donate to SOS Gyermekfalvak and children living without parents. The organisers are asking for the following items: canned and packaged food, cleaning and hygiene products, new sheets, unused pacifiers, diapers, and cutlery.
Sign up for the Santa Run on the Hungarian site here or drop an email at nevezes@futanet.hu.
(Cover photo: Budapest Sportiroda)
