Hundreds take part in Exeter Santa Run as young fundraisers lead the major event

More than 750 people took part in Exeter’s annual Santa Run at the weekend, as the city centre was filled with participants dressed in red suits for the 2.5k and 5k routes. 

The event, organised by Exeter City Community Trust, was sold out and drew runners and walkers of all ages.

The run, now a regular part of Exeter’s December calendar, raises funds for the charity’s health, wellbeing and education programmes, as well as partner organisations including Exeter Leukaemia Fund. 

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This year’s field included a number of participants running in memory of relatives or in support of local and national causes.

Among them was five-year-old Maddie Russell, who took part to support Crohn’s and Colitis UK following her mother’s recent surgery. 

Maddie’s mother, Ellis Russell, told Exeter Today that her daughter “quickly found a love for running and got her dad involved to run with her.” 

She added: “My husband is an Exeter City fan and due to his and Maddie’s love of running, he thought that the Santa Run would be a fantastic opportunity for them both.”

Ellis said she has ulcerative colitis and had her large bowel removed in 2007. She was recently admitted to the RD&E for complications and said the family learned during her stay that Exeter City player Jack Fitzwater was supporting the Know Your Sh*t campaign led by her consultant, Professor Tariq Ahmad.

“Later in the year, my husband and Dad are running the Great West Run for Crohn’s and Colitis UK,” Ellis added.

 “Maddie was part of a conversation around this and from that and from watching an episode of Paddington Bear, she asked if she could run for charity too.”

Other young runners included 11-year-old Harry Collins, who ran in memory of his grandad to support Hospiscare. 

Along with Imogen, Monty and Esme Moy, who raised money for Exeter Leukaemia Fund following the death of their father earlier this year.

The event proceeded with support from Tozers, Eagle One, Thrifty/Switch, Robson Financial, ILEC Group, Stagecoach, Exeter City Council and Princesshay.