Prize money’s great at Santa race

Last year's Great Santa Race was a huge success. Entries to this year's race are now open.

THERE are only eight weeks until Christmas, but more importantly, there are only six weeks until the annual Christmas in Cooroy Great Santa Race.
The free community event always draws a large crowd, and with a total prize pool of $2400 up for grabs this year, the Great Santa Race is expected to be the biggest yet.
The challenge is simple – make the dash up Maple Street dressed in a Santa suit and the first male across the line will win $750, the first female will take home $750, second place wins $250, and third place wins $150.
There will also be five lucky random winners who will score $100 cash each.
Sponsored by Noosa to Hinterland Plumbing Group, the fun event will also raise much-needed funds for the Leukaemia Foundation, so there is plenty of inspiration to strap-on those running shoes.
Event manager and Cooroy Chamber of Commerce president Danielle Taylor said the more Santas that run in the race, the more funds raised for the Leukaemia Foundation.
“This is the sixth year that we have had the mad-cap excitement of the Great Santa Race as a part of the Christmas in Cooroy celebrations. We’ve had around 50 Santas in the last couple of years, but it would be great if we could double those numbers and get 100 Santas streaking their way up Maple Street,” she said.
“There are thousands of people in the crowd cheering them on, so it is all quite exciting.”
The Great Santa Race will start at Apex Park in Cooroy at 4.30pm on Saturday 6 December.
Entry to the Great Santa Race is only $10 and all entrants receive a free Santa suit to race in, with proceeds from the race donated to the Leukaemia Foundation.
Participants must be 18 years and over and entries can be obtained online at www.christmasincooroy.com.au under the competitions tab. Ensure you enter early to secure a spot at the starting line.