Join hundreds of santas and run, jog, walk, or wheel your way round the beautiful Priory Gardens in the annual Orpington Santa Dash.

On Sunday 6th December, join hundreds of santas and run, jog, walk, or wheel your way round the beautiful Priory Gardens in the annual Orpington Santa Dash, organised by Orpington 1st and supported by My Time Active.

The Orpington Santa Dash is a 2km fun run taking dashers around Orpington's Priory Gardens, up the high street and into Market Square. A fun and festive way for you and your family to get fit this Christmas.

The event begins at 10:30am. A mass Christmas-themed warmup will get you in the festive spirit before starters orders at 11am.

Registration costs include your place on the dash, your santa suit, and once you’ve completed the dash - your souvenir medal!

Adults: £9

Under 15s: £6

Under 3s: Free (no suit included)

Timings

Arrival: 10:30am at Priory Gardens

Group Warm-up: 10:45am

Starters Orders: 11:00

Please arrive at Priory Gardens ready and prepared in your Santa suit from 10:30am to ensure the festivities can begin promptly. There will be a group warm up at 10:45am conducted by The Walnuts Leisure Centre, which will no doubt get everyone in the festive spirit and raring to go!

Getting here, location, and parking

The Orpington Santa Dash starts in Priory Gardens, near the entrance by Carlton Parade – alongside Lopeto Café (BR6 0JD).

Please allow enough time to arrive promptly, particularly if you are driving. On street parking is available on the high street and Lych Gate Road. The Walnuts Shopping Centre carpark costs £1 on Sunday for the whole day.

If you are travelling by public transport, then please note that the nearest railway station is Orpington Railway Station which is about a 20-minute walk away. A number of buses serve Orpington High Street and Carlton Parade. Check TfL Journey Planner.

Santa Suits

Santa suits will be available to collect from the Walnuts Leisure Centre. We will email participants when they are ready to collect. All dashers must arrive at Priory Gardens ready and raring to go in their Santa suits. It is likely to be cold on the day of the event so please wear appropriate clothing underneath your Santa suit to keep warm.

Should you or a member of your party find their Santa suit is too big, please consider one of the following:

• Rolling trousers around the waist or cutting/rolling up at the bottom to shorten.

• Wearing a different, more size-appropriate pair of trousers.

• Rolling up sleeves/cutting sleeves at the bottom to shorten/create waistcoat effect.

• Using a more secure belt to fasten jacket around the middle.

At the end of the dash, please leave any unwanted suits at the recycling point in Market Square.

Under 3s: No Santa suits are provided; however, they will still receive a medal at the finish for taking part. Please feel free to dress children in Christmas themed clothing/costumes.

Dasher’s Number

Your Dasher’s Number can be found with your Santa Suit. All dashers should wear their race number for the duration of the event, as it is also your receipt to show you have paid to take part in the event. This must be stuck to the front of your Santa suit, ensuring it is easily visible (Not required for Under 3s).

Pushchairs & Wheelchairs

Pushchair and wheelchair users are more than welcome to take part in the ‘dash’. For safety reasons, there will be a dedicated start position at the back with more space. Stewards will be on hand to offer support around the course, so please ask if you require assistance at any point. Please be aware that there are a couple of tight turns.

Bags & Belongings

Unfortunately, there will not be an area to store bags on the day. All dashers will have to keep their belongings with them throughout the event. The event organisers take no responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Friends, Family & Pets

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. If your family and friends are not participating but would like to come and see you on the day, then we recommend that they stay near the finish area in the town centre and on the high street. Dogs and ‘reindeers’ are permitted to take part in the event, but we ask that they are kept on a short lead at all times during the event.

Social Media & Photography

Please use #OrpingtonSantaDash when posting your photos!

There will also be a photographer taking photos during the event. A selection of these will appear on our website and social media channels. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let a steward know at the start of the event.

Description supplied by the event organiser.