Record £35,000 Raised as 2,500 Santas Brave Weather for Saddleworth Christmas Dash

Damp winds failed to dampen Christmas spirit as 2,500 red-suited runners transformed Saddleworth into a sea of Santas for the annual Santa Dash and Christmas Lights switch-on, smashing previous records with nearly £35,000 raised for local causes.

Ryan Smith, Head of Community Engagement for Saddleworth Round Table, confirmed the staggering total represents a £15,000 increase over last year’s previous record. “Every single penny we make from all our events is donated back,” Smith emphasized, noting funds already support disabled theatre groups, brass bands, children’s sports teams and care organisations.

Community groups directly benefited through special support spaces, with ten local teams raising £10,000 collectively. Saddleworth Rangers Youth Team, Millgate Arts Centre, St Mary’s School and seven other organisations received 50% of their ticket costs back as grants, while families turned out to support sports teams, PTAs and Brownies.

Race winners braved harsh conditions to claim victory, with Alfie Bundy taking first place for boys and Nell Wilson for girls. Darren Smith and Jessica Banks won the adult categories, each receiving Round Table Gin presented by Vinesh Mistry of headline sponsor North Aley Solicitors.

The day’s festivities extended beyond the race, featuring the Winter Wonderland Procession where nine-year-old Grace lit the main tree after winning the Christmas card competition. Santa arrived accompanied by the Grinch and Disney’s Elsa and Anna, led by Friezland Band and pulled on the Rush Cart by Saddleworth Morris Men who distributed sweets and sang carols with Saddleworth Singers.

The celebration concluded with fireworks launched by four-year-old Olivia and sponsors Eddie and Victoria from Leesfield Developments, as Chairman Ed Burbidge thanked participants for braving “a miserable cold Saturday” to make “the start of Christmas so special.”

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