The ho-ho-ho-ttest event in town: The Derby Santa Run spreads festive cheer across Markeaton Park

On Sunday 30 November, we watched Markeaton Park transform into a sea of red and white as hundreds of Santas came together for this year’s Derby Santa Run.

The event saw 700 people turn out in full festive spirit to take on the 5k route around the park. Even more exciting for us, the Derby Santa Run sold out more than a week in advance for the very first time, which really showed just how special this event has become for our local community.

From families and friends to running clubs and even four-legged companions, people of all ages and abilities joined in on the fun, helping us raise funds to support local people and local charities.

After taking the difficult decision to cancel last year’s event due to Storm Darragh, it was uplifting to see everyone back together again.

Our Chief Officer, Jill Matthews said:
“We are absolutely delighted with how the Derby Santa Run went this year. It was incredible to see so many smiling faces coming together to celebrate the start of the festive season while supporting such important causes. Days like this remind us just how special our community really is.”

One of the biggest crowd-pleasers on the day was Chris Swan from Royal Derby’s renal team, who completed the route alongside Dougie – a 70kg, decommissioned dialysis machine.

Chris told us:
“Dougie always gets people talking, which is exactly what we want. By creating those conversations, we can help raise awareness of kidney failure and impact dialysis has on patients’ lives. We’re also fundraising for a new holiday dialysis caravan, which allows our patients to take a break while still receiving the care they need.”

We were also joined by local running groups, including the Tutbury Runners. Paul Wayman, one of the group’s founders, shared his thoughts:

“The Derby Santa Run always has such a brilliant atmosphere. Many of our runners work at the hospitals, so Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity means a great deal to us.”

Also attending from the Tutbury Runners, was Katie Brown, who heads up the group’s couch to 5k programme. Their latest cohort completed their programme with the Derby Santa Run as their final run. We caught up with Katie afterwards: “I am so proud of our runners, some even completed the run with a sub 35 minute time which is amazing.”

Adding an extra sprinkle of excitement to the day was our special guest Spudman (Ben Newman), who brought his famous Spud Wagon along to serve his much-loved jacket potatoes to participants. Spudman was also raising money for the Derby Renal Unit, where he receives regular dialysis treatment.

A big thank you to everyone who bought tickets and joined in the fun, helping make the day so special. We’re also incredibly grateful to headline sponsor Trentbarton for the event finisher medals, Circulayo for supplying water, Moorways Sports Village (Everyone Active) for the sweet treats and our wonderful volunteers who gave up their time to support the event.

From all of us at Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity, thank you for making this year’s Derby Santa Run so special.