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Santa run goes green but is beaten by the weather

Keech Hospice Care Four people dressed in festive attire, holding hands and running along Bedford's Embankment. The man on the left is wearing a reindeer onesie, a woman is wearing a Mrs Santa dress, an elf is next to her, and on the right is a man dressed in a Santa suit with a black hat. They all have numbers on them. Other runners in Santa suits, a river, a path and trees are behind them Keech Hospice Care
Hundreds of people have attended the events since they began in 2009

A Santa Run is becoming more "environmentally-friendly" with organisers tackling the problem of participants using disposable outfits.

Keech Hospice Care said its annual 5k walk, jog or sprint around Bedford's Embankment would return on 8 December but organisers have announced this year's event had been postponed due to the stormy weather.

It said that since 2009 it had provided Father Christmas outfits, but that practice had been stopped as too many were being discarded after the race.

It now asks people taking part to come wearing their own Santa suits, Christmas jumpers, fairy costumes or "whatever elf".

Keech Hospice Care A large group of people wearing red Santa suits with hats. All the participants have numbers on them. There is a red van and a white bridge behind themKeech Hospice Care
The Santa Runs have attracted up to 400 participants

The charity said the event helped towards raising the annual £8m it costs to run its services, which include hospices in Luton and Bedford.

It also provides care and support for adults in Bedfordshire and children in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes who are living with life-limiting conditions.

"In 2023, Keech took a break from the Santa Run to consider how to make it more environmentally-friendly and still run the event without giving out Santa suits, which were often thrown away immediately afterwards," the charity said.

Keech Hospice Care A dog with its tongue out wearing a Santa hat. The dog is cream and black, with blue eyes. The Santa hat is red and whiteKeech Hospice Care
Dogs are welcome at the event and can get into the festive spirit by dressing up

"This year, Keech is inviting people to come along to the event dressed for the occasion wearing outfits they already own or have made, such as their best Christmas jumper, fairy, elf or reindeer costumes, Santa outfits or whatever else makes them look colourful and feel festive."

Chief executive Liz Searle said: "We're happier than ever to be hosting it knowing there'll be minimal environmental impact."

However, the hospice announced on Saturday this year's event would be postponed.

"The safety of our participants, staff, and volunteers is our main priority, and we believe this is the most responsible decision given the current weather circumstances."

It said it would be in touch with anyone who had booked and appreciated people's "support and understanding".

Keech Hospice Care A large number of people running in a Santa Run, wearing red and white Santa suits with hats and trainers on. Spectators are taking photos, and there are dogs, too. A river is in the distance, along with a white suspension bridge. The sky is misty and there trees, with no leaves on, along the riverKeech Hospice Care
This year's Santa Run was cancelled due to "weather circumstances"

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