Santa's usual mode of transport might be a sleigh, but there will be plenty of festive characters travelling on foot through Cammo Nature Reserve this December. The Santa & Elf Dash 2026 takes place on Sunday 20 December, bringing three Christmas running challenges to the woodland trails of north west Edinburgh.

Organised by Blast Running, the event combines 5K and 10K trail races with an approximately 1K Elf Dash for younger participants. The setting is particularly appealing, with routes following riverside paths, open fields and historic features of the Cammo Estate. December conditions could add a little extra adventure, with muddy or frosty ground making grippy trainers a sensible choice.

The Elf Dash gets the festivities underway at 11am, with the 5K and 10K following at 11:30am. Children aged 11 and over can tackle the 5K, while the longer distance welcomes runners aged 17 and above. Fancy dress is encouraged but entirely optional, although anyone arriving dressed as a Christmas tree might discover that narrow woodland paths present an interesting challenge.

And there's a welcome reward at the finish. Every participant receives a medal, with hot chocolate and cookies providing a suitably seasonal conclusion to the morning's efforts. Around 250 runners are expected, giving the event a friendly, community atmosphere rather than the scale of a major city centre Santa Dash.

There's also an opportunity to spread a little Christmas kindness. Proceeds from the Elf Dash support Young Lives vs Cancer, while runners can make optional donations through the longer races. Organisers are also collecting non-perishable food items for Edinburgh Food Project.

With entry fees starting at just £5 for the Elf Dash, this is an accessible way to enjoy some festive exercise before Christmas. Places can be booked now, with further information available through the runABC Race Hub.

Image courtesy Blast Running.