Santa Spectacular returns to the city centre

Hundreds of Santas of all ages dashed through Exeter High Street as part of the city’s spectacular annual Santa Run. 

Organised by Exeter City Community Trust - the event returned to the High Street after an absence last year caused by covid. 

The rainclouds cleared to make way for a bright, sunny morning for the participants, who set off from the top of the High Street and followed a route through Princesshay and Southernhay, to Northernhay Gardens, on to Queen Street and back up the High Street to finish in Catherine Street, where they were given a warm welcome by spectators. Participants could choose to do two loops and complete a 5k or a shorter family fun run. 

Catherine White, senior development manager at Exeter City Community Trust, said: “It was fantastic to welcome our runners back to the High Street. For us the Santa Run always feels like the start of Christmas and there was certainly a festive feel in the air as they gathered together in Princesshay and set off down the High Street.

“We’re very grateful to our sponsors Tozers, Exeter Live Better, Stagecoach, HSBC and Radio Exe for all the support they give us which enables us to put on this family event.”

Runners raised funds for charities of their choice, CITY Community Trust, or the organisation’s Santa Run partner charities; Children’s Hospice South West, ELF, Julian House and Alright Mate. 

Exeter City Community Trust is Exeter’s leading health and wellbeing charity and provides a range of activities to people of all ages, focused on health, education, wellbeing and physical activity. As well as the Santa Run it organises several other running events through the year, including the Exeter Half Marathon and the Exeter Marathon. 

For more information about CITY Community Trust visit www.exetercct.org