Record turnout as Chester Santa Dash marks 15 years
Chester’s Santa Dash drew record crowds on Sunday 7 December as more than 2,500 people took part in the fifteenth edition of the festive fundraiser.
The 3.74km event, which supports The Countess Charity and The Hospice of the Good Shepherd, saw participants don Santa suits and fill the city streets in a wave of red and white. Organisers confirmed that this year’s turnout was the largest in the event’s history.
For 2025, the Dash featured an extended route, with runners setting off from Handbridge before crossing the historic Dee Bridge, giving participants sweeping views of the River Dee. The course continued past many of Chester’s well-known landmarks including The Groves, the Amphitheatre, the Eastgate Clock and Chester Cathedral.
The event received support from local sponsors Aaron & Partners, Planaterra and Flat Earth, whose contributions help ensure the Santa Dash remains a fixture of Chester’s festive season while raising vital funds for local care services.
Last year’s proceeds supported The Countess Charity’s Retinal Scanner Appeal and the Hospice’s frontline services. This year, the funds raised will go towards the Countess Charity’s Extra Mile Appeal, helping to provide additional medical equipment for ward areas. The new resources will reduce the need for clinical teams to share key items such as bladder scanners, ECG machines and ultrasound machines.
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd, which provides free palliative care to residents of Cheshire West, Chester and Deeside, will use its share of the proceeds to continue offering essential care and support to local people.
Sophie Fitzgerald, Corporate & Events Fundraiser, said:
“The funds raised will have a great impact on both charities, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed. We are especially grateful to our dedicated volunteers, Dee Radio, DJ Ian Gibbons, and the Karumba Band for bringing such a vibrant, festive spirit to the event.”
More information about the event can be found at www.chestersantadash.com
or by contacting The Countess Fundraising Office on 01244 366240.
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