A record-breaking turnout turned Gloucester into a sea of red and white as more than 900 participants embraced the annual charity fun run, sporting Santa outfits along the city streets. Runners faced either a 1km or a 5km course, all in support of local groups and charitable causes.
The event, organized by the Rotary Club of Gloucester since its inception in 2017, raised over £7,000—the highest total in the run’s history.
Matt Cass, who founded Gloucester’s Fun Run through the Rotary Club, described the community spirit on display: “This is Gloucester helping Gloucester.” He couldn't hide his amusement at the creativity on show, noting, “How can you not enjoy dressing up like this? I’ve spotted a woman dressed as an inflatable turkey—how brilliant is that?”
All proceeds from the run go directly to the Rotary Club of Gloucester’s Charities and Community Awards.
Among the participants was Lauren Drury from Gloucester, who attended in a turkey costume for her debut fun run. She explained that she had bought the outfit for a hen party and decided to reuse it for the event.
Her children joined in as well, dressed as the Grinch and Santa.
Anthony Cox from Abbeydale explained to the BBC that he and his running group were fundraising for the Motor Neuron Disease (MND) Association. He shared, “I’m raising money for all the wonderful work they do for my wife, who has MND and is cared for around the clock. They provide emotional support—a shoulder to lean on—that you don’t have access to otherwise.”
Jamie Campbell, who wore an inflatable elf costume, admitted he’d been influenced by friends to participate, quipping, “I was peer-pressured into this, to be honest. I’m just waiting for him to arrive in his gingerbread man outfit.”
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