Location: Bristol

Date: December 3rd

Embrace the spirit of community and wellbeing at Mental Elf, a 5K like no other. Join the festive celebration while advocating for mental health, where you’ll be cheered on by elves every kilometre. Dress up as a Christmas elf yourself with red, rosy cheeks, pointy ears, and hat! This inclusive, non-competitive event welcomes all ages and abilities. Sign up solo or with friends, family, or even your furry pals. It's more than a run; it's a joyful gathering supporting mental health in a spirited, festive atmosphere. 

Location: Bradford-on-Avon

Date:  December 3rd 

A cherished annual tradition, the Santa and Elf Run 2023, is back at Dorothy House Hospice and Winsley Cricket Club, raising essential funds for Hospice care in Bath and beyond! Open to all ages, this Christmassy fun run unfolds along a delightful 2.5km course through the scenic grounds of Dorothy House and beyond. Participants can opt for a single lap or double the festive fun with a 5km run. 

Each child participating receives a complimentary elf hat, while participants aged 12 and above receive a free Santa suit with their entry! Embrace the spirit of giving and community with an Elf entry priced at £7.50 and Santa entry at £15.00. 

Location: Parc Bryn Bach, Wales 

Date: November 26th 

Get set for a jolly time at the Festive Fun Run, where the pursuit of a giant Christmas Pudding takes centre stage in raising crucial funds for Hospice of the Valleys. Forget about personal bests – this event is all about embracing festive costumes, enjoying the company of friends and family, and backing a local cause. Run, jog, dance, or stroll 2 laps around the scenic lake while chasing our oversized Christmas Pudding or join virtually in your community. From elves to Santas, all Christmas costumes are welcome, with a prize for the best-dressed. Family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and dog-friendly, this event promises Christmas music, a raffle, and well-deserved refreshments at the Visitors Centre. Celebrate the season while supporting a meaningful cause – it's festive fun with heart. 

Location: London 

Date: December 7th 

If you’re London-based, you can get into the festive spirit at Santa in the City, a 4.3km fun run starting at the iconic Tate Modern on December 7, 2023. Immerse yourself, along with friends and family, in the holiday cheer as every runner comes dressed in a complete 5-piece Santa Suit – hat, beard, jacket, trousers, and belt. To take part and make an impact, simply sign up and raise what you can.  

Location: Tring 

Date: December 9th  

Experience a weekend filled with festive cheer at this family-friendly charity run hosted by Run The Wild. It starts at Berkhamstead Cricket Club, offering 2k and 8k guided trail options, with runners of all ages setting off into the great outdoors in their best Christmas fancy dress.  

The 2k route features fun festive activities for families, while the 8k explores scenic trails led by knowledgeable guides, grouped by ability. Enjoy a complimentary mince pie and mulled wine at the finish line, and don't forget to showcase your festive spirit for a chance to win the best costume prize. Profits from the event go to The Hospice of St Francis. 

Location: Bolton 

Date: December 10th  

Liven up your Christmas in Bolton with the Bolton Arena Santa Dash, a delightful 5km fun run starting at the Bolton Arena running track. With a route weaving through the grounds before returning to the track, runners dressed as Santa can soak up the festive atmosphere and finish in front of a cheering crowd, earning a race medal at the finish line. Entry is £10 with a Santa suit or £7 without. Kids up to 12 years old can join the 1km Mini Dash, receiving a race medal too. Enjoy Christmas refreshments available for purchase, and, most importantly, know that all profits from this event contribute to Bolton Hospice's compassionate care for those with life-limiting illnesses and their families, making your festive run even more meaningful. 

Location: York 

Date: December 10th 

Join the festive fun at Chase The Pud York, where you can dress as Santa, chase Christmas Puddings, and support the British Heart Foundation (BHF)! With free Santa suits for all, this year's event features a new 10k chip-timed race and a 3k untimed option. Organised by the BHF York Fundraising Group for nearly two decades, each participant is encouraged to raise an extra £20 through Just Giving to aid the BHF's crucial research on heart and circulatory diseases. 

These Christmas-themed fun runs across the UK aren't just a fun way to stay active over the busy Christmas period, but also the opportunity to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with your run community.  

If you need help finding kit to stay protected from the elements, visit your nearest Runners Need store and speak with an in-store specialist. And don't forget to check out our best kit for gifting this season...