Hundreds of Santas are expected to descend on Hanley Park on Saturday 5 December as Dougie Mac’s festive 5k fundraiser returns for a second year, raising vital funds for local hospice care.
Dougie Mac’s Santa Dash returns to Hanley Park on Saturday 5 December 2026, following the success of last year’s inaugural event.
Entry costs £12, with a free Santa suit for participants aged five and over. Children aged four and under can take part for free.
Funds raised will help Dougie Mac continue providing hospice care and support for local families facing life-limiting illnesses.
Registration opens at 9am, with a warm-up at 10am and the 5k dash starting at 10.15am.
Hundreds of Santas are expected to descend on Hanley Park this December to raise vital funds for Dougie Mac.
Following the success of the hospice’s first Santa Dash last year, the fun, festive, fundraising event is returning on Saturday, December 5 and Dougie Mac is inviting supporters to pull on their Santa suits to walk, run or even dance their way along the 5k route.
A FREE Santa suit is included for participants (age 5+) as part of their registration and there will be plenty of festive cheer with refreshments and seasonal music for the whole family.
Esther Price, Senior Business and Events Fundraiser at Dougie Mac, said:
“Last year was absolutely brilliant as we watched a sea of red Santa suits set off across Hanley Park and we’re hoping as many people as possible will join us this year for what promises to be a truly festive occasion.
“It’s a fantastic, family-friendly event and a brilliant way to support the hospice during the Christmas season. Every step you take helps support local families facing life-limiting illnesses, so, lace up your trainers, pop on your Santa suit and join us for the most festive fundraiser of the year!”
The money raised by this year’s Santa Dash will enable Dougie Mac to continue its care services for families like Harrison’s:
Always smiling and a bit of a prankster, Harrison, nine, has been a familiar face at Dougie Mac’s Children’s Services for two years. Diagnosed with autism and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) Harrison enjoys play days and overnight stays at the hospice and regularly attends family fun days whilst getting all the medical and holistic care that he needs.
His Mum, Debbie, explains:
“I cannot put into words how the hospice has helped us. When we go to Children’s Services, I feel so relaxed and have no worries – we are just enjoying our time together as a family – there’s no judgement and we are with families who are in the same boat as us.”
Dougie Mac’s Santa Dash – sponsored by StairBox - kicks off on Saturday, December 5 at Hanley Park.
Registration is from 9am, there’ll be a warm up at 10am before the sea of Santas set off on the 5k route from 10.15am.
Santa Dash Entry is £12. Children aged 4 and under can join in for free and participants under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult over 18. Well-behaved four-legged friends are also welcome too.
To find out more and book your place, visit www.dougiemac.org.uk/events/santa-dash/
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