Run, run, run Santas!

Ross Steele, Brenda Wotton and Simon Hodgson, ready to spread the Christmas cheer. Photo: Chris Callinan.

Whether they're doing it for fun or taking it very seriously – there's going to be a bunch of Santas in full jolly regalia running around the base of Mauao this Wednesday for a very good cause.

The Great KidsCan Santa Run is on for the seventh year in a row and is set to be bigger than ever before.

Last year's event raised more than $40,000 to help KidsCan continue its work supporting disadvantaged Kiwi kids and this year Tauranga's Santa Run is one 19 events happening nationwide.

From 6.30pm on Wednesday, December 7, people dressed in Santa suits will run or walk around the Mount base track.

Individuals or groups dressed in full Santa regalia, which is provided as part of entry, will take part in support of disadvantaged Kiwi kids living in hardship.

The KidsCan Charitable Trust is encouraging businesses, individuals, families and groups of friends to get behind this year's event and make it the best yet.

Last year attracted about 4000 participants nationwide, and KidsCan is hoping to increase the number of Santa's to more than 5000 this year.

Tauranga's local Santa Run is organised by the Tauranga Road and Trail Runners club. Member Simon Hodgson says it will be their second year organising the event.

'It's a good cause, and we like putting something back into the community.”

Fellow member Brenda Wotton agrees, saying although most people just do it for fun, some can take it seriously.

'There's always a few who get competitive,” she laughs.

Entry fees range from $5 for under-fives to $75 for a family of six. See: lacticturkey.co.nz/SantaRun/entry for full price details.

People have to register on the night at the base of Mauao at 5pm, with the run starting at 6.30pm. Only cash entries will be accepted on the day.

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