Lewes Downland Santa Run
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Festive fun. Beautiful scenery. A great local cause.
The Lewes Downland Santa Run has become a much-loved fixture in the local running calendar, bringing hundreds of Santas, elves, families and supporters together on the Lewes Downs each December.
Organised by Lewes Athletic Club, the Santa Run combines festive fun, spectacular downland scenery and community fundraising, making it an event about much more than running.
In 2025, more than 200 Santas and around 20 elves took part, helping to raise an incredible £2,750 for the Friends of Lewes Victoria Hospital.
Choose your festive challenge
There is something for everyone at the Lewes Downland Santa Run, with a choice of scenic routes:
- 5K Santa Run: a festive introduction to the Lewes Downs
- 10K Santa Run: a longer challenge through the beautiful downland landscape
- 15K Santa Run: for those looking to make the most of their winter morning
- 1-mile Elf Run – a fun, family-friendly option for younger runners
All the main routes start from Landport Bottom and head across the stunning Lewes Downs towards Ditchling before returning to Lewes.
And, of course, festive fancy dress is very much encouraged!
More than just a run
Whether you’re a regular club runner, an occasional parkrunner, a family looking for a festive activity or simply keen to support a local cause, we’d love you to join in the fun.
The event has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, with Santas and elves of all ages taking part alongside friends, families and supporters.
In 2025, Father Christmas himself helped get the runners underway, with Deputy Mayor Adrian Ross and trumpeter Steve Titchener adding to the festive occasion. Father Christmas sent everyone on their way with an enthusiastic:
“Ho Ho Go!”
Supporting our local community
Fundraising is an important part of the Santa Run.
The 2025 event raised £2,750 for the Friends of Lewes Victoria Hospital, helping to fund equipment and facilities at the hospital and support better patient care and recovery.
“Thank you to everyone who took part and for their support. Funds raised will go directly towards improving equipment and facilities at the hospital, helping to enhance patient care and recovery.”
Sarah Pearson, Trustee, Friends of Lewes Victoria Hospital
Powered by volunteers
Like so many Lewes AC events, the Santa Run is made possible by volunteers.
Behind the scenes is a team of Lewes AC members organising registration, traffic management, marshalling, catering, and all the many jobs needed to make the event safe, welcoming, and enjoyable.
We’d also like to thank Fiona Adams at Wallands School for providing registration facilities and Steven Farley of Graphic Corner for capturing photographs of the event.
A huge thank you to everyone who gives their time to make the Santa Run possible.
A festive favourite
The response from participants shows why the Santa Run has become a regular date in the
running calendar.
“Such fun! Definitely a firm event in the running calendar for next year.”
Naomi Ross, runner
And it isn’t just the festive atmosphere that gets people talking:
“The marshals were great, the signage was brilliant, the registration team was efficient and kind, and the refreshment team was friendly and helpful. Lovely atmosphere and all in a good cause.”
Colin Hartland, runner
Join us for the next Santa Run
The Lewes Downland Santa Run takes place each December and is open to runners of all abilities.
Whether you run, jog or walk, come along in your Santa suit, elf costume or simply your favourite festive running kit and enjoy a winter morning on the beautiful Lewes Downs.
Watch this space for details of the next Lewes Downland Santa Run.
Relive the 2025 Santa Run
Graphic Corner captured photographs from the 2025 event.