Chester’s festive fundraiser, the Santa Dash. is back for 2026

The streets of Chester are set to be filled with festive cheer once again, as hundreds of Santas lace up their trainers to take part in the city’s annual Santa Dash.

Open to everyone from seasoned runners to families with young children and well-behaved dogs, the 3.75km event which takes place this year on Sunday 6 December, is a fun and festive way to raise money for the Countess Charity's Extra Mile Appeal and Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

After attracting more than 2,500 participants last year, organisers are hoping this year's Santa Dash will raise £60,000 for both charities.

All are encouraged to dust off their Santa suits, gather friends, family and colleagues, and sign up early to avoid missing out on one of Chester's most-loved festive traditions.

Beginning at the University of Chester’s Queens Park campus, the Santa Dash event, sponsored this year by local businesses MBNA and Urenco, takes participants through the city centre and has become a firm favourite in Chester's annual calendar, bringing together people of all ages each year for a morning of festive fun.

Participants can choose to run, jog or walk the route, making it accessible to people of all abilities.

Angie Lopez, Head of Fundraising for The Countess Charity, said:

“Last year, Santa Dash fundraising helped The Countess Charity provide additional equipment beyond NHS funding, including four extra bladder scanners, three ECG machines and lots of other additional equipment for hospital wards.

“This year, funds raised will support plans for an immersive arts therapy system in the Breast Care Unit to enhance patients’ treatment experience.

"We’re absolutely delighted to open registration for this year’s Chester Santa Dash. It has become a real highlight of Chester’s festive calendar and brings people together in such a fun and positive way,”

“We'd love to see the city filled with Santas once again as we come together to spread some Christmas cheer and support two fantastic local causes,”

Victoria Dowd, MBNA Community Investment Manager added:

"The Chester Santa Dash is a fantastic event that combines fun, fitness and fundraising. It's always inspiring to see thousands of people come together with a shared goal of supporting their local community.

"We're delighted to sponsor this year's event and look forward to cheering on the Santas as they dash through Chester this December."

Andrew Cottrell, Managing Director UK Operations at Urenco Capenhurst said:

"Urenco Capenhurst is proud  to support the Chester Santa Dash once again.

“The event captures the wonderful community spirit that exists across Chester and the surrounding area, while raising money for two charities that make a meaningful difference to local people every day.

"We'd encourage everyone to get involved, put on their Santa suit and be part of something special this Christmas."

Festive fundraisers are encouraged to sign up today and secure their place.

To register, visit:

http://www.chestersantadash.com