The Southampton Santa Dash is on Sunday 9th December at 10.30am and is raising money for Southampton Hospital Children's charitable fund. There are about 8,000 Doctors and Nurses working at this hospital and we're hoping to have a few of them there running on the day. You never know it could come in handy if you need a bit of off the record medical advice.

"I've had these lumps on the side of my head for years now Doc, do you think I should I be worried?"
"No I think you'll be alright?"
"How can you be so sure?"
"They're your ears!"

Go on then, how much is it?

It only costs £12 to enter this superb event and that includes your race entry, your Santa suit and your bespoke medal.

We are also encouraging every Santa to try and raise a minimum of £20 for this worthy cause.

Where will all the Charity money raised go?

We are aiming to raise £20,000 for this Children's hospital. I'm no Aristotle, although that toga did look comfy, but I'm pretty sure that works out at £10 from 2,000 people, £20 from 1,000 people or a £20,000 one off payment from a lottery winner. Great as that would be we're not holding out too much hope of that happening so we are really going to need your help with this.

Course Outline

The Southampton Santa dash is a scenic, slightly undulating in places, course that I'm confident will give you that elusive "great I've escaped the city for an hour" feeling. The Start and Finish line is halfway up Coronation Avenue south. The course is basically a well balanced two laps of Southampton Common. There are a couple of long straights for those that are looking for a PB and superb scenery for those that aren't.

Toilets

We all know how uncomfortable running in a Santa suit can be when you need a wee so don't worry there will be plenty of portoloos there on the day. The loos will be situated next to the paddling pool close to the Start line.

Transport Links

It's approximately 20 minutes walk from the City Centre and Southampton Central Station.

Parking

Parking is restricted on the Common, free parking is available in parking bays on Cemetery Road.

Area description

The Common is a area of stunning natural beauty so don't worry if you get their early, there's plenty to see before and after all that Santa Dashing. It's the largest open space in the City boundaries (326 acre site). It's also a haven for flora and fauna and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest with the inclusion of the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre which gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the local ecology and wildlife.

Travel by train

There are 2 train stations in Southampton, the main station Southampton central, is in the city centre. The second train station is Southampton Airport Parkway.

Trains run roughly every 30 minutes between London Waterloo and Southampton central. For train times and prices go to thetrainline.com

What about once all the Dashing has stopped?

I would personally go to the nearest watering hole for tea and medals but that's just me. If that idea does appeal to you here's are some details about the nearest one. Who knows? If you keep your Santa suit on you may get a free drink.

Cowherds Inn
The Common,
Southampton,
Hampshire,
SO15 7NN
023 8051 6921

Situated just outside Southampton City Centre,

How do we contact you, if I still have unanswered questions?

If you do have any more questions you can email me, James the race organiser at james@inmotionsport.com.

If you have downloaded and filled out a race application from the site and want to send it to me with your £12 cheque made payable to "InMotion sport Limited" Here is where to send it.

Santa Dash
3d Roundhill Crescent
Brighton
East Sussex
BN2 3FQ

Changing

We recommend arriving at the event in some sort of sports kit, you'll pick up your Santa suit at the start.

See you on the start line!