Santa Dash

Since it's that time of year I though I would give back and take on the 5k Santa Dash around Leeds city centre, it cost £10 plus a donation of your choice to St Gemma's Hospice who support people with terminal illnesses and their families.There are Santa Dash's all over the England and hold 3 across the pond in America with the biggest being in Vegas.

If you fancy spreading some festive cheer and donning a Santa suit check out the website and see if there is an event local to you
http://www.santadash.co.uk/

Registration at the event was painless, I just gave my name and was a handed my Santa suit, which included trousers, a jacket, belt, hat and of course fluffy white beard!

Sadly the suits are supposed to be one size fits all but I think they were designed for the actual St Nicholas because it drowned me!

When I run it again next year I will bring my own belt as the one in the pack was next to useless in keeping the giant pants up or the jacket closed and when I tied the trousers I ripped them, guess I don't know my own strength!

If you sign up to a Santa Dash please understand that it is a fun run so if you have a strong competitive streak then you may find yourself frustrated being caught behind older folks and adorable baby Santa's.

There was a warm up but it wasn't great, we were stood at the back and couldn't hear what was going on and had to rely on copying the Mexican wave of Santa's bouncing about and dishing out Can Canesque leg kicks. I will try and donate a mega phone for next year, the poor cow shouting put the front was simply not loud enough to be heard.

The course was a loop of the pedestrian area of the Leeds city centre so you don't need to worry about getting mown down by some festive fool in a Ford escort as you try not to choke on the fluff from your faux beard!

All in all a good day that everyone of all abilities can enjoy and take part in, plus you get to keep what ever survived of your Santa suit!