A hundred Santa Clauses put on their running shoes on Sunday in the streets of Quebec City to raise money for children from underprivileged families.
In total, more than 150 Santa Clauses, but also Mrs. Clauses and elves set off at 10 a.m. from the Terrasse du Petit Champlain for a seven-kilometre course.
The runners dressed in red and green notably passed through Grande Allée and rue Saint-Jean to finally return to the center of the Petit Champlain district.
This is the second edition of the Santa Claus Race, organized by the Fondation des Petits Bonheurs d’école, as well as four running clubs – Montcalm, Les Citrons Pressés, and Faux Mouvement.
“The goal is to help children from underprivileged elementary families in the Quebec City region,” explained Dominic Guay, the race organizer, in an interview with the QMI Agency.
“We meet basic needs: it can be glasses, school supplies, clothing or even specialized services. So that these children can start from the same starting line as those who are better off,” he added.
Last year, the event that especially wanted to “make people smile” raised $1,500. This year, the results far exceeded expectations since the Foundation raised $12,500.
Dominic Guay ensures that the costumed runners will be back next year and promises new surprises.