5 of the best Christmas fun runs

If winter is normally your lazy season, why not try one of these 5 of the best Christmas fun runs? As when the weather is so cold, it can be hard to summon up the energy to go for a run. But festive fun runs are becoming more popular because they get people to exercise and spend time with loved ones while doing something great for charity. Whether you go ‘all-out’ and dress up in a Christmas theme, or simply go to get your sweat on, Christmas fun runs are the number one thing to do this season.

Richmond Park Christmas 10K & 5K

This run around Richmond Park is back for the fifth year, and has built a massive following. Enjoy a calming jog around the gorgeous park with friends, and finish with some festive prizes at the end of the race. If 10K seems like too much for a Sunday morning, why not try the 5K run instead? This Christmas run is the final race of the 2016 series, so you know it will be a good one. Entry prices start at £13 for the 5K distance.

When and where? 11 December, Richmond Park, 10am.

The 11th Christmas Pudding Dash

What better way to get yourself psyched up for Christmas than with a themed run during the countdown to the special day? This five-mile run around Ashburnham Place, East Sussex, gives you fabulous natural scenery and views of the historic country house. Dress up in your Christmas gear, finish the race with a festive medal and a glass of mulled wine, and feel the endorphins flow! Prices start at £15.

When and where? 17 December, Ashburnham Place, East Sussex, 10.30am.

London Santa Dash 2016

As it’s the season of good will, so what better time to do your bit for a wonderful charity? Take part in the Santa Dash, hosted by Great Ormond Street Hospital for its Children’s Charity. Be one of the thousands of people running 10K or 5K in their Santa Claus costumes. The money raised from the event will go towards the hospital’s most urgent fundraising needs, so you can feel good about making a difference. All participants receive a complimentary Santa suit, a medal, a mulled drink and a mince pie at the finish line. Entry prices are £20 for adults, £12 for children.

When and where? 4 December, Clapham Common, 10.30am.

Portsmouth RNLI Santa Fun Run

Head to the beach this Christmas and run along the scenic south coast shoreline with your friends and family. And why not step it up a notch by taking part in the snowflake challenge: the Southsea Festive Santa Mile, the Unbeatable Santa 10K and the Portsmouth RNLI Santa 5k fun run – all for £30. Have fun at the beach while pushing yourself to the limit, and help out a charity in the process. On the day there’s live entertainment and hot and cold refreshments available. Why not give it a go?

When and where? 11 December, Southsea Common, first event at 9am.

Saltwood Boxing Day Charity Fun Run

What better way to cure your Christmas hangover than to go for a Boxing Day fun run? Drag your friends and family out of their food comas and head to scenic Hythe in Kent. Whether you walk or run it, it’s a great way to start burning off calories from your Christmas dinner and have some quality family time. On a three-mile lap, absorb the lovely scenery of rolling hills, and finish off with some refreshments at the finish line.

When and where? 26 December, The Green, Saltwood, Hythe, 12pm.