Santas on the run in York

200 Santas will be swarming over the Knavesmire in York today, in pursuit of a giant Christmas pudding.

Chase The Pub is a sponsored event to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. 

Participants can choose to run or walk a 3km or a 6km route through the park as they chase a runner dressed as a Christmas pudding.

Each adult is given a Santa costume to wear, and children can either come in their own fancy dress or opt to buy a costume on the day. The event is expected to raise more than £2000 for the BHF, the UK’s biggest funder of research into heart and circulatory diseases.

One of the participants is Anne Dixon of Poppleton, who will be walking the 3km route. Anne, who has heart failure, had a procedure in October to treat her atrial flutter. 

Anne said:

“I’ve not been able to exercise for most of the year as my condition has left me breathless and fatigued. I had the procedure in October and have felt great since then. I have more energy, can go to the gym again, and go out in the evening. I can say yes to things again.

I’m really excited about the event. The thought that I can contemplate doing it is major, considering what my health was like just a couple of months ago.”

Entry is £12 for participants aged 14 and over and includes a Santa suit. Children under 14 can enter for £5 and must be accompanied by an adult. The entry fee covers costs, and sponsorship raised will go to the BHF’s vital work.

The BHF funds £31million of research in Yorkshire and the Humber. There are an estimated 670,000 people in Yorkshire and the Humber living with heart and circulatory diseases.

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