Edinburgh's Christmas 2009

Around 1500 people came together under crisp blue Edinburgh skies to support The Great Scottish Santa Run which took place today, Sunday 13 December, in East Princes Street Gardens.

 

The popular event attracted people of all ages who dressed as Santas to run, walk and toddle around a 1.5 km circuit of Princes Street Gardens, turning the city centre into a sea of red.

 

The Santa Run, which is an annual highlight of Edinburgh’s Christmas, is held to raise funds for children’s charities, with all proceeds being split equally between When You Wish Upon a Star and Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids.   This year, the run was started and led by City of Edinburgh Councillor Steve Cardownie, joined by cast members from the stage show ’We Will Rock You’ – and even a green Santa from the Ethical Christmas Fair which runs in Castle Street, Edinburgh until the 20^th  December.

 

Commenting on the event, Councillor Cardownie said:  “This is a fantastic event that all the family, young and old, can take part in. I thoroughly enjoyed it myself and the atmosphere is amazing with so many people coming together to have fun in the name of charity.  It’s a truly wonderful spectacle to see many hundreds of Santas and elves running in the gardens and we are thrilled with the turnout today.  A real demonstration of the true spirit of Christmas!”

 

Margaret Rowarth, Scottish appeals manager for When You Wish Upon A Star, commended the runners and organisers alike:  “This event has a magical atmosphere and people are always so charitable.  The support has been incredible and our half of all money raised will go to grant the wishes of Scottish Children in 2010.  Sincere thanks are due not only to the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh’s Christmas producers, She’s Gott It!, but also to the dozens of volunteers from Telford College who helped on the day.”

 

When You Wish Upon a Star raises money to grant wishes to children with life threatening illnesses