Over 800 Santas dash through the Barbican sun for the annual Santa Fun Run

16th December 2024

Plymouth’s waterfront was transformed into sea of Santas on Sunday 8 December as over 800 runners, walkers and joggers, and canine friends, took part in the annual Santa Fun Run. The festive event, organised by Saltram Rotary Club, in partnership with Plymouth Waterfront Partnership was held in aid of two local charities, Jeremiah’s Journey and Shekinah.

Jon Walton and Kim Downer, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership:"What an amazing festive atmosphere there was across the whole waterfront on Sunday. The new start and finish line at Commercial Wharf provided the perfect backdrop as a ‘sea of Santas’ rolled through our beautiful historic quarter in a wave of red Santa suits and hats!

Events like this take months of planning and aren’t possible without the support of local businesses, volunteers, Plymouth City Council and South West Highways. Thank you to everyone who took part and supported the Santa Fun Run. I am personally delighted I beat my time from 2023 [Jon]!”

Roger Punch, Saltram Rotary Club: “Saltram Rotary Club were delighted with the event, attracting in the region of 800 Santas - an absolute sea of red flooding the iconic streets of the Barbican and The Hoe once again. This new venue is so popular, not only supporting the very special Plymouth based charities of Jeremiah's Journey and Shekinah, but also the businesses around the waterfront.

The atmosphere at the new start/finish area on Commercial Wharf was also a great success, forming a beautiful natural arena.  We are indebted to the brilliant team from the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership for their vital support, and for the 80 volunteer route stewards who devoted their morning to us.”

Kristy Winters, Shekinah:“We are incredibly grateful to Saltram Rotary Club for once again choosing Shekinah as one of the charities to benefit from this year’s Plymouth Santa Fun Run. Their support means so much and helps us continue our vital work with those most in need.

A huge thank you as well to Plymouth Waterfront Partnership for organising the route again this year. Their dedication to making this event such a success is truly appreciated.”

John Naismith, Jeremiah’s Journey: "As a small local charity that has never received any statutory or commissioned funding throughout its 28 years, support such as that offered to Jeremiah's Journey by Saltram Rotary and their iconic Plymouth Santa Fun Run has a massive impact for us. It has also enabled us to work with our friends at Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Shekinah too. The whole project has been an absolute joy.

We were extremely lucky with the weather and all the hard work came to fruition with the amazing sight of 800 Santas running around The Barbican and The Hoe. Everyone (including us) had an absolute ball. Thank you so much to Saltram Rotary for letting us be a part of it."

All participants received a free Santa suit and a finishing medal, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved. Participants have until the end of January to collect their sponsorship monies with the final amount raised being divided between Jeremiah’s Journey and Shekinah.

The aim is to get 1,000 Santas for 2025!

Check out the Santa Fun Run Highlights 2024