London will be painted red and white next month as a record-breaking army of 3,000 Santas takes to the capital’s streets in the city’s biggest festive fundraising spectacle.
The tenth annual Santa in the City run returns on 2, 3 and 4 December with rare cancer charity Sarcoma UK announced as the official partner for the second year running. An ocean of Santa suits will flood past iconic landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the River Thames, Millennium Bridge and Tower Bridge, in what promises to be an unmissable sight for Londoners and tourists alike.
Starting at 7pm from St Paul’s Cathedral, the Santas will embark on a 4.5 km journey through the heart of the capital, running and walking to support more than 50 different charities.
“This event gets bigger and more magical every year,” said Arun Sharma, Director of TFA Events, which organises the annual spectacle. “We started a decade ago with 450 Santas, and now we’re bringing 3,000 to London’s streets. This isn’t just a run – it’s a moving celebration of community spirit and the power of people coming together for causes they believe in. The sight of thousands of Santas charging past Tower Bridge will be absolutely breathtaking.”
This year’s partnership with Sarcoma UK puts a rare and often overlooked cancer firmly in the spotlight. With 15 people diagnosed with sarcoma every day in the UK, about 5,300 annually, Sarcoma UK is using the festive spectacle to raise crucial awareness of the rare cancer.
“Sarcoma accounts for less than 1% of cancer diagnoses, which means most people have never heard of it until they’re diagnosed,” said Kerry Reeves-Kneip, Director of Communications for Sarcoma UK. “Seeing thousands of Santas running through London will help bring this hidden cancer out of the shadows. Every Santa represents hope for patients and families desperate for better treatments and more research. We’re turning Christmas joy into a powerful platform for change.”
Sarcoma forms in bones and soft tissues and encompasses about 100 different subtypes, making it particularly complex to treat. Despite its rarity, it affects people of all ages, from children to older adults.
The event is open to runners and walkers of all abilities, with a registration fee of £31.95 that includes a full Santa suit and finisher’s medal. The National Brain Appeal returns as the official accessibility partner, ensuring the event welcomes everyone. Spectators are encouraged to line the route and share their photos on social media using #santainthecity.
Event details:
Date: 2, 3 and 4 December
Time: 7pm start
Start point: St Paul’s Cathedral
Distance: 4.5 km
Registration: £31.95 (includes Santa suit and medal)
Website: www.santainthecity.co.uk
