Photo: Stamford Mercury
Frequently Asked Questions and answers are detailed below. If you still have a query, please use get in touch.
Q1 - Can I enter on the day?
A - Yes, in the Race Village Marquee, but only if places remain. Last year, however, the event sold out early.
Q2 - I've entered the event; when and where can I collect my suit?
A - Suit collection location and times are detailed on the Event Information page.
Q3 - What documentation do I need to show to collect my suit; Also, can I collect suits for other runners?
A - Evidence of your race entry numbers (print out or on a smart device) is best and yes you can collect suits for others. If collecting suits for your Team Members, a list of race entry numbers is ideal.
Q4 - I already have an entry. Can I make additional entries?
A - Yes! Simply go to the Enter Event page and go through the normal process to enter. After payment, new entries will show up along with your original ones on your user dashboard. Only applicable if places remain.
Q5 - I have reset my password but still cannot access my account. What can I do?
A - Please check your spam - the password reset email may have ended up in there. Once you've followed the password reset link contained in the email and set a new password, you should be able to log in.
Q6 - I have entered the Santa run and then found, for example, that my daughter and boyfriend wanted to enter. How can I enter them under a team?
A - You can easily add further entries to a team of your choosing; simply go to Enter the Event, create new Runner Profiles as required, choosing the Team of your choice, and then "Proceed to Payment". Only applicable if places remain.
Q7 - Can I run with my dog?
A - Yes you can! As long as they are on a short lead and you start near the back, and are well behaved, dogs are welcome! Christmas doggy outfits are positively encouraged!
Q8 - Can children join in?
A - Of course! The event is for everyone of all ages and abilities. (you do not need to be a Mo Farrah!) Babies in buggies, toddlers, teenagers - all are welcomed! Children 5+ will receive their own Santa suit. As Children 4 and under are entered free of charge, no Santa suit will be issued to them; please do not register these children as you will be requested to pay.
Q9 - Refunds.
A - No. It is a charity event and substantial costs have already been incurred prior to the event – thanks for your understanding.
Q10 - Is it okay if I walk or jog instead of running?
A - All fitness levels are welcome, we stagger the start according to preferred speed. You can run, jog, plod, walk – it’s a fun event and you are here to enjoy the festive ambiance.
Q11 - Do I get to keep the Santa Suit?
A - Yes, it's all yours to wear over the festive season (and beyond!).
Q12 - Will I receive a medal?
A - You sure will! Only those who are running for free (children 4years and under) will not receive a medal (although the marshal will not refuse if you ask for one for a 4 and under – we normally have a few spare).
Q13 - Do I need to wear running shoes or trainers?
A - No. The choice is entirely up to you dependent on the weather conditions and the state of the route (mainly tarmac /gravel paths with a short section on meadow grass). Just wear appropriate shoes for the conditions – if you plan to run it then it will not be sensible to wear doc Martens!
Q14 - Do I need to complete the complete 5km route?
A - No. This year we have a choice of 3 routes. They all start and finish at the same place in the race village though. The “Elves Escape” is about 1500m, or 1 mile. The “Reindeer Run” heads further into Burghley Park and is about 3km, or 2 miles. Finally, the “Santa Special” is about 4500m, or nearly 3 miles as it heads up to Burghley House. You are free to complete whichever one you want - do keep an eye out for the signs though!
Q15 - Does everyone receive a mince pie and mulled wine?
A - Yes. All participants receive a mince pie and a cup of mulled wine (adults only of course). Orange squash is served to the younger entrants.
Q16 - What happens if I lose a child during the event?
A - In the event of a child being lost please report immediately to the main marquee – look for the sign “lost children”.
Q17 - What do I do with my “bib number” allocated during the registration process?
A - Bib numbers should be pinned to either the front (ideally) or rear of your Santa suit. This allows the commentor, over the public address system, to offer words of encouragement and congratulations. Runners, joggers, plodders and walkers all need encouragement as they approach the finish arch as they are greeted by family and friends. Please remember to complete the Medical Statement on the bib.
Q18 - If I enter a team what are the options for raising monies for a charity?
A - You have two choices: -
- You can raise money for your own selected charity
- You can raise money for the Stamford Santa Fun Run’s designated charities, namely: Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, Stamford MindSpace and The Rotary Club of Stamford Burghley (they distribute further to local causes). Details for doing this are on the sponsorship forms.
Q19 - Are wheelchair entrants welcome?
A - Yes of course! However, depending on the weather conditions on the day care needs to be taken on sections of the route. Common sense must prevail!
Q20 - Can I recycle my Santa suit after the event?
A - Yes you can. This year we have teamed up with Age UK, Stamford, to responsibly recycle any suits that are no longer wanted. Look for the recycling points in the Race village. You can recycle our Santa suits in any local clothing collection bins, typically found in most supermarket carparks. Here is a list of collection bins we know about: Stamford Morrisons, Stamford Fire Station, Bourne Tesco, Market Deeping Tesco, Werrington Tesco.