Leeds Santa Dash 2026: Festive 5km fun run returns to Trinity Leeds to raise Funds for hospital patients
Runners, walkers, and families are invited to don their Santa suits this December for a festive 5km fun run through the city centre in support of Leeds Hospitals Charity
Hundreds of Santas will take to the streets of Leeds this winter as the popular Leeds Santa Dash returns for 2026, raising vital funds for patients spending Christmas in hospital.
Organised by non-profit events company Run For All - the team behind the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, Leeds Half Marathon, and Leeds 10K - the festive 5km fun run takes place on December 6, starting at 9am outside Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre.
Leeds Hospitals Charity has been named the Official Charity Partner for this year's event. Funds raised through entries and sponsorship will go directly toward supporting patients and NHS staff across Leeds Teaching Hospitals over the Christmas period - funding extra comfort, life-saving equipment, research, and bedside touches for those away from home.
Whether participants choose to dash, prance, or stroll the 5km route, the event is open to all ages and abilities, with children under eight accompanied by an adult.
Highlighting the importance of the partnership, a spokesperson for Leeds Hospitals Charity said: "While Christmas is a time for celebration with family and friends, for many people it can sadly mean spending the festive season in hospital, away from loved ones and familiar surroundings.
"Funds raised through the Leeds Santa Dash will help our charity provide extra support, comfort and special touches that make a real difference during the Christmas period. This fantastic partnership is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together, don their Santa suits and spread some festive cheer."
Discounted charity entry places cost £24 for adults aged 18 and over, £24 for juniors aged between nine and 17, and £15 for children aged between three and eight, while children under the age of three can take part for free.
Although there is no mandatory minimum sponsorship pledge required to enter, all runners and families taking part are encouraged to raise money for Leeds Hospitals Charity to help bring hope, comfort, and care to hospital bedsides across the city this Christmas.
Organisers are also seeking volunteers to help on the day with cheering, route marshalling, and assisting runners.
Registration is open now via the Leeds Hospitals Charity and Run For All websites. For entry details or volunteering opportunities, contact the events team on 0113 539 7020 or by email.