It would need to be a good cause to get hundreds of men, women and children to run through the streets on a hot, cusp-of-summer, morning. And, a good cause it is.

Organised by Variety: The Children’s Charity, The Newcastle Variety Santa Fun Run is a 5km course that starts and finishes at Honeysuckle Hotel, Newcastle Foreshore.

Local Medowie resident Craig Howland joined the sled load of Santa Clauses on Sunday 27 November, participating in the increasingly popular annual Santa Fun Run.

Mr Howland told Medowie News Of The Area, “This is my first Santa run, before that the only time I dressed up in a Santa suit was for my family Christmas party last year.”

When asked why he would don a red suit in the blazing sun, Mr Howland said, “The reason why I am running in this Santa Fun Run is that some kids, through no fault of their own, have had a tough start to their life and this fun run with the help
of Variety and the generous sponsors will make their lives and the lives of their families a little bit easier.”

Professor John Fischetti from the University of Newcastle also participated in the event, telling Medowie News Of The Area, “This is my second Santa Fun Run.”

“I participate to remind myself of the meanings of the season to me: one, a celebration of life and two, making a difference.”

“It is totally fun to run with all of those look a likes.”

A media spokesperson from Variety told Medowie News Of The Area that over 900 Santas participated in the Fun Run.

Newcastle is only one of two sites in New South Wales that hold the Santa Fun Run, making it a special opportunity for locals and those in surrounding districts to participate.

Local Medowie teenagers Matilda Logvyn (14) on the flute and Jamie Pont (13) on the trumpet were part of the Marching Koalas band, providing entertainment at the event.

Variety is a national not-for-profit organisation that helps children who are sick, disadvantaged, or who have special needs.

With so many Santas literally running around, there may be some explaining to do by parents of small children.

At the time of printing, over $77,000 had been raised for Variety.

For more information, or to donate to the Santa Fun Run, visit: https://www.varietysantafunrun.com.au/

By Heather SHARP