More than 600 Santas of all ages descended on Buxton last December, and between them they achieved something rather more important than delivering presents. The Jingle Bell Jog raised a remarkable £20,754 for Blythe House Hospice, setting a new fundraising record for the popular festive event. Now organisers are preparing to do it all again on Sunday 6 December, with Pavilion Gardens providing the setting for another morning of Christmas cheer.

The 2025 event was the eighth staging of the Jingle Bell Jog and broke records for both participation and fundraising. Despite cold temperatures and rain, more than 495 Santas completed the 5K, while 110 children joined the 700m Fun Run. For many families, the event has become an annual tradition, bringing generations together to celebrate Christmas while supporting a charity that has touched lives across North Derbyshire.

This year's programme follows a familiar format, with the children's Fun Run starting at 10:45am before the main 5K gets underway at 11:00am. The action begins on the Pavilion Gardens promenade opposite the bandstand, with a Santa warm up adding to the entertainment. Adult entry includes a Santa suit and finisher's medal, while younger participants receive a Santa hat and medal.

Behind the festive costumes is the work of Blythe House Hospice, which provides care and support for people affected by life limiting illnesses and their families. Its services include nursing care at home, counselling and practical support, making the money raised through events such as the Jingle Bell Jog particularly valuable.

Last year's Santas certainly set the bar high. Whether Buxton can beat that £20,754 total in December remains to be seen, but there should be no shortage of Christmas spirit along the way.

You can enter now via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy runABC Creative.