Some frequently (and a few infrequently) asked questions.
Q. I have placed my order but can’t see my email receipt to collect the suits ?
A. The email is automated and sometimes can get caught in email anti-spam systems. Check your email Spam or Junk folders first. We also find some email addresses given when ordering are wrong (eg mis-typed on a mobile phone !). If you cannot find the email please contact us here and we will send you another.
Q. Can we enter as a team ?
A. Yes. You can enter with individual registrations or by one person purchasing multiple registrations (you can set the number required in the shopping basket page). We would love to hear about your team – who is in it, why are you taking part and any good causes you are supporting. please contact us here. Once they receive their runner number each individual will then use the QR code to register their personal details. We have a team discount available.
Q. How do pay for my entry ?
A. When you order online you can pay using your PayPal account or using a credit or debit card through PayPal (you don’t need a PayPal account to do that – just follow the instructions). You can also choose to pay by BACS transfer.
Q. What happens once I receive my runner number ?
A. Everyone taking part must have a runner number which they must display to be allowed to enter. Before starting the run each person must use the QR code on the runner number to access our individual registration page on our website. This is necessary so that we have the name of each runner (of any age) taking part. This information is only used to support the event on the day and to enable us to send every participant a personalised certificate of participation by email after the event. Don’t forget the complete the medical emergency & contact information on the reverse side of your runner number.
Q. Can I wear my own Santa Suit or come in fancy dress ?
A. Yes. We have an “eco-registration” option. No suit is provided, although you still get a runner number and a finisher’s medal. You can buy or make your own santa suit which you can hopefully be able to use again. We have provided a basic dress code to ensure the event remains festive, avoids any offence and that we still have that great “sea of red” running round uphill Lincoln. Should your DIY costume let you down you can purchase individual santa suits on the morning of event from our marquee in Castle Square (£5 each).
Q. Is there an age limit ?
A. No. The event is open to santas of all ages. Runners up to 8 years old must participate with a parent or responsible adult, which means everyone must register to take part (under 5’s can register as L’Elf Runners). Those aged 9 and over can run alone, but make sure anyone aged 16 and under is accompanied by a parent or responsible adult on the day. All entrants whatever their age must wear their runner number bib to be allowed entry to the event.
Q. Can I run with a dog ?
A. Yes. As in previous years we welcome dogs in fancy dress and well behaved handlers (who must register for the event too). Each dog must have an entry ordered. We have a suggested donation of £ 2 per dog which will be donated to Guide Dogs Lincoln. Dogs MUST be on a short leash and kept under control. Dogs are not permitted within the grounds of Lincoln Castle. You are responsible for your dog at all times, keeping him/her under control and clearing up any mess on the route. If you fail to clear up your dog’s mess that may result in dogs being banned from future events. This year we are delighted that Guide Dogs Lincoln will provide a “Dog Station” in Minster Yard where you can pick up extra dog poo bags, and give your dog a drink of clean water.
Q. Can I run with a child in a pushchair or sling ?
A. Yes but you must register both yourself and your child. Please note there are some cobbled roads and a number of traffic speed bumps on the on the route. There are some cobbled areas on the route so please exercise caution, particularly in the Bailgate area.
Q. Can I take part in a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair ?
A. Yes. The course is reasonably flat. There are some rises and descents. As it will be very busy and you will accompany pedestrians on the route please keep your speed to a safe level. There are also some cobbled areas and a number of traffic speed bumps on the roads so please exercise caution, particularly in the Bailgate area.
Q. Where can I collect my santa suit(s) ?
A. There are four collection points this year. (or you can choose to have your suit(s) and numbers posted to you for an additional charge). If you are ordering and collecting on behalf of a large team please contact us beforehand so that we can ensure we have sufficient stock ready. The preferred collection point for bulk orders is EH Thorne Beehives at Rand where there is plenty of stock and ample parking.
Q. Why are there different prices and options for the run ?
A. The full price of entry is £ 18 for a 4km (2 lap) run. To keep the event affordable for families with young children we have a discounted price for youths and children. Only the 2 lap entrants will be eligible for the fastest run trophies. We also have an eco option which allows you to use your own santa suit.
Q. Will my under 5 get a medal ?
A. Yes and a free children’s elf hat as well as the personalised digital certificate of completion.
Q. Is there an award for fastest runner ?
A. Yes. We have 4 awards fastest girl, boy, woman, and man. Only the 2 lap entrants are eligible for an award. However this is a FUN RUN. We have no chip timing or accreditation status for the run. We make the awards with best endeavours but cannot guarantee the time and position in the run of any participant.
Q. What happens if the event is cancelled eg for safety reasons due to bad weather ?
A. See our terms and conditions for force majeure cancellations. Entry fees may not be refunded as event costs must still be covered. Remaining funds will be donated to nominated charities. (Fortunately this has not happened yet !). We would only cancel the event if the weather conditions resulted in a safety risk to participants or otherwise prevented the event taking part.
Q, Can I leave my bag anywhere ?
A. We offer a free bag drop off in Castle Square. This will be for small bags/rucksacks. Do not leave valuables in your bag – we cannot be responsible for the contents of bags left. This facility is provided free by the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance charity but you may wish to make a donation on the day to this worthwhile charity.
Q. Can I run for a charity of my own choice, or does it have to me one of the event partner charities ?
A. Yes you can although we encourage everyone to support one of our amazing 17 charities
Q. Can we collect money (buckets or tins) along the route for our charity or good cause ?
A. You CANNOT hold a street collection without first obtaining a permit from the City of Lincoln Council. It is ILLEGAL to collect money or sell articles for the benefit of charitable or other purposes without obtaining a street collection licence from the licensing authority if that collection is held ‘in a street or public place’. If you apply for a street collection licence you will be asked to show that your application is supported by the organisers of the event.
Q. Are there opportunities for catering vans/trailers at this event ?
A. No sorry. Available space and our licence to hold the event do not allow us to include food & drink vendors. There are many local businesses in the area who offer food and drink (takeaway and on premises) and we encourage participants to support local businesses.
