Santa Run

The Rotary Santa Run is a fun run where participants dress as Santa Claus and run or walk a course of approximately 3 kilometres for charity. The event was launched in 2008 by Rotary Club Gorinchem and has since grown into a nationwide phenomenon, with dozens of editions in the Netherlands and a few abroad. In 2019, Santa Runs were held in 58 cities, raising a combined total of more than €450,000 for over 100 good causes. The Rotary Santa Run aims for a uniform look and a powerful mass start on the Saturday before Christmas.

The Rotary Santa Run is organised by local Rotary Clubs, with support from a starter package that includes Santa suits, medals, race numbers, promotional materials and an online registration module. Each location has a minimum of 240 participants, and the event is preferably held on the Saturday before Christmas. The organisation is a turnkey concept, with an operations manual, an emergency plan and a uniform look. Participants dress as Santa Claus and support good causes; the event takes place in multiple cities and has a strong focus on charity and community spirit.