For the fourth consecutive year the association “Santa Run,” in collaboration with the Regional Government of Crete, the Municipality of Chania and the Cultural Corporation of the Municipality, organized the 4th Santa Run, for the financial support of KIFA AMEA, ELEPAP, KIFAP and ORIZONTAS, dealing with children experiencing serious health problems. Despite the unsettled weather, participation this year exceeded all expectations. People of all ages, including families with babies in strollers holding red balloons and whistles in their mouths did the city tour. All along the route some 15 music producers from Chania, played music for the participants, while shopkeepers offered them sweets and chocolates and alcohol free beers. This years Santa Run was held for the first time at noon. As an idea it was first implemented in Chania, in 2011 and in the first year of the event some 400 Santa Clauses participated. In 2012 they rose to 1,500 and in 2013 to 3,000, despite the extremely adverse weather conditions. The Chania Santa Run festival is different from the rest of its kind held around the world, as it is in fact a parody of the famous Santa Run. Participants just enjoy a walk around the city and many treats, while there is no official timing or placements. Furthermore, on Saturday, several Santa Clauses ran in the streets of Ioannina in the first ever Santa Run to take place in the city of western Greece. Despite the bitter cold, men and women of all ages participated in the event and offered 10 euros each to the Municipality which aims to raise money for the commission of a Braille system writing machine for the blind and the purchase of instruments for athletes with disabilities.
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