The Santa Dash countdown is well and truly on
The Saddleworth Santa Dash is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday, December 7th, in Uppermill. The event will feature a 2km or 5km run, Christmas markets, music from local youth band Dobcross, and a special appearance by Kevin Sinfield to receive a cheque for his fundraising efforts. The day will culminate with the turning on of the Christmas lights by Santa himself, a parade, and a firework finale. Road closures will be in effect from 1:55 pm to 6 pm. Saddleworth Round Table has already donated over £10,000 to various causes, and the event has raised over £100,000 in the past decade.
Uppermill transforms into a sea of red on December 7 as 2,700 Santas stampede through the village for the 10th annual Saddleworth Santa Dash, launching this year’s Christmas celebrations and raising thousands for local charities.
The festivities ignite at 11:30am with Christmas markets, mulled wine flowing from Saddleworth Round Table’s giant beer tent, and carols performed by Dobcross youth band from 12:15pm. Rugby legend Kevin Sinfield arrives at 1pm to receive a charity cheque before dashing off to continue his seven-day ultra-marathon challenge, covering 32 miles daily.
The main 2km and 5km dashes commence at 2pm sharp, winding from Uppermill park through Greenfield and back. Participants return to the park for awards and charity presentations, culminating at 4pm when the real Santa arrives at the Methodist church to illuminate the Christmas tree and lead a parade down the high street to the museum. The celebration concludes at 5:20pm with carols and a fireworks finale featuring Disney guests, Morris Men, and a Friesland brass band.
High street closures from 1:55pm to 6pm ensure dashers and spectators can safely enjoy the free Winter Wonderland parade. The Round Table has already distributed over £10,000 to MND research, local schools and clubs, building on more than £100,000 raised throughout the decade-long tradition. Last-minute dash entries remain available, with street food, hot Vimto and Christmas markets welcoming visitors until 6pm.
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