Cardiff Bay was full of festive colour today as hundreds of runners and supporters came together for the annual Calon Hearts Santa Dash.
The popular 5K event, which set off from Roald Dahl Plass, brought a lively mix of families, friends and seasoned runners all dressed in bright red Santa t-shirts for a fun day with a serious purpose.
Despite a damp start, the rain cleared just in time for the warmup. The atmosphere quickly lifted as crowds gathered, children compared Santa outfits and volunteers handed out free gifts for the little ones. Adults also picked up their event t-shirts before heading to the start line. Local cafes and restaurants opened early with hot drinks for those trying to stay warm before the midday launch.
The Santa Dash is a major annual fundraiser for Calon Hearts UK. The charity, founded over thirteen years ago by Sharon Owen, is now recognised as the leading heart charity in the UK. Based in Cardiff, it continues to provide vital support and lifesaving services across Wales and beyond.
Money raised from this year’s event goes directly towards offering free heart screenings for young people aged sixteen to twenty five through the Ben McDonald Fund. These screenings help detect hidden heart conditions that can save lives. Today’s turnout showed just how strongly the community supports this mission.
Organisers thanked everyone who took part or cheered from the sidelines. They praised the enthusiasm of the runners who embraced the festive spirit and made the event another memorable success.
This year’s participants enjoyed a lively festive route, certificates, prizes and plenty of seasonal cheer. Families took advantage of the team ticket option while younger children joined in for free, adding to the inclusive feel of the day.
The Calon Hearts Santa Dash continues to grow each year and plans are already in motion for the 2026 event. With the charity’s ongoing impact and the warm response from the public, the Santa Dash remains a highlight of the Cardiff festive calendar.
