14 December 2022

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun with Pilgrims Hospices Santas on the Run! Tri-Series

Hundreds of festive fundraisers braved the chilly temperatures and embraced the ho, ho, holiday spirit on Sunday 11 December 2022 as they dashed along Margate seafront at Santas on the Seashore! all for a good Claus.


Margate was filled with Christmas cheer as more than 250 honorary Santas and elves ran, jogged, skipped and walked their way along the 3k or 5k route in support of Pilgrims Hospices, who care for thousands of local people each year who are living with an incurable illness. 

The event is supported by a number of local companies and organisations, including Wahl. Grace Gummer from the east Kent-based company told us: “We love supporting this fantastic festive event for such a deserving local charity. It brings the community together and raises money in aid of the great care that Pilgrims Hospices offer families at such a difficult time.” 

Early estimations show that this year, Santas on the Run! Tri-Series will raise in excess of £25,000. This could help fund the entire cost of Pilgrims Hospices community care teams for five days, as they provide specialist end-of-life care to patients spending Christmas at home with their families, and creating lasting memories. 

Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Watching over 250 Santas and elves run, jog and walk through Margate on Sunday was truly a sight to been seen. Many drivers beeped their horns, and passersby cheered them all the way. I would like to personally thank Margate Ambulance, Pete our DJ, Sarah for our warm-up, Jackie on catering, Pilgrims Hospices staff, volunteers and all of our incredible supporters who came out to support this event in the cold to help raise further funding to support all of our services. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!” 

Santas on the Seashore is part of Pilgrims Hospices Santas on the Run Tri Series, with festive runs taking place over three consecutive weekends in Herne Bay, Folkestone and Margate. Since the event began in 2017, Santas on the Run! has become a family tradition in the seaside towns as a way to celebrate the countdown to Christmas, and has gone on to raise over £161,000 for local hospice care.

Click here to view more photos from the day on the Pilgrims Hospices Facebook page.

Pilgrims Hospices would like to thank everyone who joined in the jolliest jogs of the year this festive season, and wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!


Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.