“Great Santa Run” Turns Komazawa Park Bright Red with Santas—Supporting Socially Good Initiatives Through PR

“Santa Run” is a charity event where participants run and walk dressed as Santa Claus to deliver Christmas presents to children battling illness.

Merry Christmas! I’m Terui from Division 1, Department 2 of the Public Relations Business Headquarters.
I’m here to share a heartwarming story perfect for this Christmas season.

Have you heard of “Santa Run”?
It’s a charity event held in the UK and countries around the world, and has become a winter tradition. As the name suggests, participants dress up as Santa Claus and enjoy running or walking, with the participation fees used to deliver Christmas presents to children fighting illness.

“Great Santa Run 2022” Held In-Person for the First Time in 3 Years—Approximately 3,000 Participants Turn Osaka Castle Park Bright Red

In Japan, “Great Santa Run” started in Osaka in 2009, expanded to Tokyo in 2018, and by 2019 had approximately 10,000 participants across both cities. Christmas presents were delivered to about 2,500 hospitalized children, and support was provided to children overseas in need of medical care.

In 2022, “Great Santa Run” was held in-person in Osaka and Tokyo for the first time in three years (2020 and 2021 were held virtually online). The Osaka event was held on November 27, 2022 (Sunday), where approximately 3,000 participants gathered and turned Osaka Castle Park bright red.

SUNNY SIDE UP Also Supports the Event Behind the Scenes Through “PR Cooperation”

The Tokyo event was held on December 3, 2022 (Saturday) at Komazawa Olympic Park.

In fact, SUNNY SIDE UP has been involved in “Great Santa Run” as “PR cooperation” since its first Tokyo event in 2018. We support this socially good initiative behind the scenes—from PR for event announcements to ensure many people participate, to arranging interviews with celebrities serving as ambassadors, and handling media relations on the day of the event.

I also infiltrated this event for the first time as media relations staff. Of course, the dress code for the day was Santa Claus (laughs).

Everyone Can Enjoy Participating in Charity

The initiative of delivering Christmas presents to children fighting illness is wonderful in itself, but the event itself was also very heartwarming. I’d like to introduce the features of this event along with scenes from the day.

First, the barrier to participation is low. Simply purchasing a ticket and participating means that ticket price becomes a present for the children. The ticket price includes a complete Santa Claus costume, so you can participate almost empty-handed. Some participants even wore elaborate self-prepared costumes worthy of the real Santa Claus.

Second, not only people of all ages and genders can participate, but children and pets as well. Although it’s called “Santa Run,” it’s actually a fun walk, and at Komazawa Olympic Park, most people slowly walk the approximately 2 km loop with family and friends. This makes it safe for children to participate. Pets dressed in Santa Claus-style outfits were also adorable.

Third, you can enjoy events before the start and after the goal. Before the start, there’s a live performance by special ambassador Maki Ohguro, including the official theme song “Santa Run Run♪Run♪.” After the goal, participants enjoy themselves at stages featuring celebrities from various fields who support the event’s purpose, gourmet food from food trucks, and sponsor booths.

Report on “Tokyo Great Santa Run 2022”

＜Registration＞
A press registration desk for media was set up next to the participant registration. Participants steadily gathered at the adjacent registration desk, and before we knew it, the venue was filled with Santas.

Since many members of the general public participate in this event, conveying photography guidelines to media is also an important job. By the way, those dressed as Santa Claus are SSU members. Despite appearances, we’re working seriously (laughs).

(Photo by author)

(Photo by author)

＜Pre-Start Event＞
On stage, there was a live performance by special ambassador Maki Ohguro! Having an entire audience of Santas might be unique to this event on this day. The venue’s excitement rose with Maki Ohguro’s passionate singing! After this, everyone did warm-up exercises, and it was finally time to start.

(Photo by author)

＜Santa Run＞
The sight of over 1,000 Santas gathering at the starting point was spectacular! Behind the scenes, SSU members serving as PR staff (dressed as Santa, of course) were working hard to help media capture good photos and footage.

And finally, “Santa Run” started! Participants who started at the signal ran and walked with smiles through Komazawa Olympic Park. In the pleasant sunlight filtering through the trees, approximately 1,800 people in Santa outfits enjoyed “Santa Run” at their own pace.

＜Goal＞
After crossing the finish line with smiles, participants wrote message cards for children fighting illness and decorated the Christmas tree ornaments. On stage, there were spectacular performances including a special DJ performance by Mark Panther, a music live performance by popular TikToker Rinka Aratake, and jazz performances.

Goodwill Becomes Christmas Presents Delivered to Children in Hospitals

Santa Run doesn’t end here. Part of the participants’ goodwill is transformed into Christmas presents and delivered to approximately 1,200 children fighting illness at 8 hospitals including Keio University Hospital Pediatrics.

*Photo shows present delivery from 2019

Next year will be the 15th anniversary of “Great Santa Run.” We plan to continue holding it in the future, so we hope you’ll pay attention to this socially good initiative that participants can also enjoy.

SUNNY SIDE UP will continue to support initiatives that increase smiles in the world through the power of PR.
We wish everyone a wonderful Christmas.

Event Overview
Name: Tokyo Great Santa Run 2022 supported by SBC Shonan Beauty Clinic
Venue: Komazawa Olympic Park, Central Plaza Jogging Course
Date and Time: December 3 (Saturday), 12:30 PM–3:30 PM
Program:・Special Ambassador Maki Ohguro Christmas Live
　　　・Opening Ceremony
　　　・Santa Run
　　　・After Party
Participation Fee: “Ticket with Costume” or “Eco Santa (bring your own costume original badge included)” both at the same price (tax included)
Adult Santa ¥3,300 / Student Santa ¥2,200 (high school, university, vocational school, graduate students) / Junior Santa ¥1,100 (ages 3 to junior high school)
*For Junior Santa, only a hat is provided as costume
Organizer: Great Santa Run Organization (OSAKA Akaru Club General Incorporated Association)
Official Website:https://santarun.jp/