It’s the festive fundraiser spectacle of the year – and what better way to travel to it than by bus?
This year’s Santa Dash – in which hundreds of people dressed as Father Christmas will take to the streets to raise money for the Archie Foundation – takes place on Sunday.
And transport firm Xplore is lending the event its support – offering free bus travel to anyone dressed up.
Christine McGlasson, managing director of Xplore Dundee, said: “This is a great event for a fantastic cause and we’re very happy to support it once again.
“Anyone wearing the red suit will be able to get on board a bus to the city centre for free to join in the festive fun.”
The Santa Dash will kick off at 10.30am in City Square.
Hundreds of participants will follow a 2km/4km route through the city centre.
The second annual event is being sponsored by furniture and carpet store Gillies, with the Evening Telegraph and Wave FM also backing the dash.
Funds will go towards the charity’s Tayside appeal, which has a target of raising £2 million for a new children’s operating theatre suite at Tayside Children’s Hospital.
Garry Smith, events and promotions officer for Leisure and Culture Dundee, said: “It’s going to be a busy weekend with people doing their Christmas shopping, so we recommend the Santas get the bus for free.
“It’s just so much easier than travelling by car and having to find a parking space.”
Ward Road and Commercial Street will be closed from 8am until 1pm and Xplore Dundee customers are encouraged to check the full diversion details online before travelling because some bus routes will be affected.
The price of entering the dash £15 for adults, £7.50 for under-16s, £3.50 for under fives and free for kids under three.
Bookings close today and can be made at Central Library, Olympia or Dundee Ice Arena before the centres close.
To book online, visit leisureand culturedundee.com/santadash before midnight tomorrow.
Dashers can start fundraising with Virgin Money Giving at bit.ly/2qltwDY. Bookings can also be made on the day.
Those taking part will be provided with a Santa suit if they pay with exact change.
