Darwin turns up for Variety NT’s Santa Fun Run

It was a summer wonderland as hundreds sleigh the Santa fun run at Darwin’s Waterfront. See all the pictures.

Bethan, Johnathon, Aviana and Hugo McElwee with Santa and his helpers Ellie and Eddie at the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

A sleigh of Santas raced around Darwin’s waterfront as the annual Variety Santa Fun Run heated up.

The NT’s chief Santa Natasha Fyles fired the starting gun on Sunday morning as more than 300 runners, young and old, began their 2km race.

The first three to cross the finish line just six minutes later were members from NT Police Recruit Constable Squad 149, with Ms Fyles clocking in on the 10 minute mark.

The event encourages all to be a “Clause for the Cause” at one of the jolliest events of the season.

Paige Marshall and 18 month old Ruby, Rebecca and 4 year old Darcy ready to run the Santa Fun Run in 2021. Picture: Julianne Osborne

For a second year in a row Darwin resident Rebecca Marshall ran the course with her two young daughters.

“It’s an awesome way to include fitness and fun for our family and join in with Darwin’s awesome community in the lead up into Christmas season,” she said.

Six-year-old Darcy ran the course alongside her best friend Lexi.

“I wanted to run with Santa and just love dressing up,” Darcy said.

Entry fees raised from the run go to Variety NT, a children’s charity that helps disadvantage young people realise their dreams.

Specifically proceeds from the Darwin event goes towards Variety NT Starfish Swim Group, a free swim group in Darwin for children with a disability aged from two to 18 years.

On the classic wet season morning, the 31 degree heat made sure everyone’s nose shone bright in the end.

It will go down in history.

IN PICTURES

Runners take off for the start of the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Three generations of women, Kayla Watkins, Carmen Stacey and Valda Cooper ready for the start of the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Lexi Gaisford mum warming up at the start of the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Piper, Landon and Lexi Gaisford with Darcy and Ruby Marshall at the start of the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles ready to start the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Ruby Marshall, 2, warming up for the start of the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Best friends Lexi Gaisford and Darcy Marshall at the start of the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Bethan, Johnathon, Aviana and Hugo McElwee with Santa and his helpers Ellie and Eddie at the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Runners take off for the start of the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Santas elf Ellie at the start of the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

First finishers were members of Recruit Constable Squad 149 the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

First finishers were members of Recruit Constable Squad 149 the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

First finishers were members of Recruit Constable Squad 149 the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

First finishers were members of Recruit Constable Squad 149 the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Santa makes an early appearance at the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

El lobo Mojado finishes the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Runners finish the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Darwin Deadly crew finishes the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

LR: Paul Kirby, Natasha Fyles and Brent Potter finishes the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Katie, Alicia, Troy, Rachel and Erin David finish the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

Ruby Marshall, 2, finishes the Variety Santa Fun Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson