The two Rotary Clubs in Skipton are joining forces to ensure the future of the The Great Skipton Santa Fun Run.
Skipton Craven Rotary, the current power behind the organisation of the Fun Run is set to hand over the reins to Skipton Rotary in 2026, with a new organisational team under the direction of Rotarian Paul Ellis, thus ensuring its future as a Rotary in Skipton event.
Peter Ripley, the current Lead Organiser with Skipton Craven Rotary says:
“Ever since the 2024 Santa Fun Run we have been increasingly concerned that this year's event may be the last, especially as our team would have an average age of 80 and very few volunteers have answered our appeals.
We have been delighted with the interest and enthusiasm that the ‘other’ Skipton Club has expressed, consequently providing the ideal solution by maintaining a major Skipton event organised by Rotary"
Paul Ellis says:
“Skipton Rotary Club is pleased to be asked to help support the continuation of what has become a successful established event in the local Skipton calendar, enjoyed by many.”
The Great Skipton Santa Fun Run – now in its 16th year - is a Rotary-organised 5k/3k run and walk around Skipton, taking in Aireville Park and Skipton Woods before finishing back on the High Street.
Supported by Skipton Town Council, the Christmas Lights Switch-on is also on the same day, both events are the highlight of the year in the Skipton events calendar, attracting thousands of visitors to the High Street.
Last year’s Santa Fun Run drew a record 2266 participants and raised a whopping £63,585.
The 16th Great Skipton Santa Fun Run will take place on Sunday 30th November 2025, starting on the High Street at 11am.
Registration opened on 1st May and 175 people have already signed up and so can you at www.skiptonsantafunrun.com

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