MORE THAN 100 red suits and beards will fill the streets of Uppermill as happy volunteers take part in a first-ever Santa Dash.
Organised by members of the Saddleworth Round Table, the festive event will be part of their fantastic Winter Wonderland celebration in Uppermill on Saturday, December 5.
Around 100 entrants have already signed up to a choice of two fun runs which start at Saddleworth Museum car park, with registration from 1pm for the 2pm grand depart.
One route will offer a 5km run around Uppermill and Greenfield aimed at adults and teenagers, with entry costing £10 including a free Santa suit.
And there will be a shorter 1mile course for juniors aged 8-13, with entry £2, who must be accompanied by a parent or adult.
An official race director will oversee the proceedings, which are expected to last about an hour and will finish at the Square in time for the Winter Wonderland festivities.
Matthew Sykes, Round Table’s chair, said: “Entries for the Santa Dash are rolling in. The idea has really caught the imagination of families and locals.
“We’ve had fabulous interest and I’m sure the dash will be a great success. We will have more than 100 Santas in the car park, which will be an amazing sight.
“We wanted to try something new as part of our Winter Wonderland this year and to include everybody and the idea seems to have gone down really well.”
Then, at 3.50pm spectators can watch Father Christmas pulled on his sleigh by Saddleworth Morris Men from the Square to the Museum Car Park to turn on the Christmas lights.
He will then process back to the Square at 4.15pm for carols and a fantastic fireworks finale at 4.45pm, all arranged by the Round Table’s Winter Wonderland principle organiser Andy Bagley.
Matthew added: “The whole Winter Wonderland event is completely free as a way to thank locals for their support throughout the year.
“All money raised goes to pay for next year’s do, the annual Old Folks’ Christmas Party and other events so funds are redistributed in the community.”
Find out more about the Santa Dash and Winter Wonderland online. Tickets are available from Paul’s Quality Meats, Uppermill, and online.
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