The first Sunday of December saw nearly 300 Santas come together on Ryde Esplanade, to once again take on the previously popular IoW Santa Dash.
Originally organised by Mountbatten Isle of Wight, after a 2-year break, Ryde & District Round Table embraced the opportunity to adopt the event, reviving the festive fun run for the island community.
Spirits were high on the day despite the rain, as adults, children, and 4-legged Santas enjoyed the fun run (or walk) along the scenic Ryde seafront, opting for either the 5km or 2km distance.
Hosted outside the recently refurbished Ryde Superbowl, participants were treated to festive music, a popular charity raffle, complimentary mulled wine, hot & cold refreshments, and photos with Santa on his Sleigh.
With thanks to all the Santas that took part, the event sponsors Go Internet and St James Clinic, and the event supporters, Ryde Superbowl, Vectis Medical Services, Isle of Wight.com, Snap Fitness IoW, and Isle of Wight Round Table, the event was a huge success, pulling in over £4,000.
When combined with the BigGive match-funding campaign, the total amount donated to Mountbatten Isle of Wight was £4,500, and £2,000 to FYFEY.
Mike Palin, Event Organiser and Ryde & District Round Table member said:
“With the Round Table mantra being Adopt, Adapt, Improve, we felt it was really important to revive this special event for our community. Not only does the Santa Dash bring festive cheer to all those involved, but thanks to the participants, sponsors, supporters, and our fantastic volunteers, we are able to contribute much needed funds to the wonderful Mountbatten Isle of Wight and FYFEY.
Following the success of this year’s Santa Dash, we’re pleased to confirm that the event will be back next year, on Sunday 7th December, once again supporting Mountbatten and other local causes.”
Nigel Hartley, CEO – Mountbatten Isle of Wight said:
“It was great to see the return of the brilliant Santa Dash this year, in support of Mountbatten Isle of Wight. I am delighted that it is going to, once again, become a regular feature among the Island’s Christmas festivities.
“We are so grateful to Ryde & District Round Table for announcing the event will always be in aid of our vital work. Mountbatten Isle of Wight supports Islanders 24/7, in their homes and in our inpatient unit in Newport. It costs £10.5 million per year to run our hospice charity. The third of our funding that comes from the NHS does not go as far as it used to. While our costs have risen, the NHS’s money has not increased in line with inflation.
“It means events like the Santa Dash play an increasingly important role in helping ensure our expert staff can continue to support the patients who need us, by boosting the 2/3 of our funding that comes from donations and the Island’s community.
“A huge thank you to you too, for taking part in this year’s Santa Dash. Your support is much appreciated!”
Shelly, Founder – FYFEY said:
“We are delighted to have been supported by Ryde & District Round Table’s Santa Dash this year. The event was absolutely fantastic, and we are very grateful to have received £2,000 to help us support families most in need at this time of year.
The money raised will be used to source food bundles for struggling families and to support the FYFEY Christmas Toy Appeal, which provides gifts to island families, who are either directly or indirectly affected by suicide and or mental health related issues“.
If you are keen to participate in next year’s Santa Dash, a limited number of promotional early bird tickets have been released (available until March 31st), where you will be automatically entered into a free raffle, with the opportunity to win a Christmas hamper worth £250.
Get your early bird tickets here: https://www.ticketebo.co.uk/ryde-district-round-table/santa-dash-2025-isle-of-wight
Those still wanting to donate to this year’s Santa Dash can do so by visiting Ryde & District Round Table’s Facebook page.
Local businesses wishing to get involved and sponsor or support the 2025 Santa Dash, should email [email protected], where they can discuss the various marketing packages on offer.
For those still needing their Santa fix this December, check out the Isle of Wight Round Table Santa Sleigh schedule, where families can line the streets of their hometown to greet Santa on his sleigh.
