Thousands of Santas appear simultaneously — Taichung’s “Red-Clad” Street Race This Saturday

▲ Thousands of Santas on the road at once? (Photo / from OSAKA GREAT SANTA RUN Facebook)

Reported by You T-Ru / Compiled by HowToTrip

Thousands of Santas on the road at once? Since 2009, Osaka, Japan has hosted the “Santa Marathon,” a charity road race event where 6,000 participants dress up as Santa Claus and run approximately four kilometers around Osaka Castle, transforming the entire street into a sea of red in a delightful spectacle. This Saturday (December 14), a similar scene will unfold in Taichung, where 200 black bears and 2,000 Santas will take part in a Christmas-themed fun run focused on conservation.


▲ A running event with up to 6,000 participants draws large crowds of supporters every year. (Photo / from OSAKA GREAT SANTA RUN Facebook)

The three-year Osaka Christmas running event not only kicks off the Christmas season, but the proceeds also go toward purchasing Christmas gifts such as toys and picture books. These gifts are delivered to hospitalized children who are unable to be home for the holidays, allowing them to celebrate Christmas together. Thanks to its blend of charity, festivity, and surprise, this massive running event with up to 6,000 participants attracts large crowds of supporters annually.

Not to be outdone by Japan’s running event, the Chunmei Puzhen Culture and Arts Foundation — now in its third year — is hosting this year’s Christmas run, “2013 Santa Go Grass Jelly Road Christmas Fun Run – Run for Taiwan Black Bears.” The event incorporates conservation themes and partners with the Taiwan Black Bear Conservation Association. The limited-edition 200 black bears represent the remaining population of the endangered Formosan black bear, while the 2,300 Santas symbolize the hope that Taiwan’s 23 million people will pay attention to and care for this native species.

The event will kick off at 9 a.m. on Saturday (December 14), with the official start at 10 a.m. The run will be led by celebrity endorsers “Universe People” along with 200 Taiwan black bear mascots. The race will conclude at 11 a.m., followed by live performances in the afternoon by bands including Universe People, Fear of Fat Group, and Man Man Says. All registration proceeds from this Christmas run will be donated in full to the Taiwan Black Bear Conservation Association.


▲ Map of the Taichung running event location. (Photo / Provided by Chunmei Puzhen Culture and Arts Foundation)