A sea of Santas and Christmas cheer will take over the streets of Melbourne as Variety Victoria\'s second annual Santa Fun Run takes off at 9am on Sunday 5 December.

Over 2,000 participants of all ages are expected to put on their runners and
Santa suits, embrace the festive spirit and do some valuable FUNdraising to support children in need.

Building on the success of the inaugural event last year with a brand new route around Docklands, the Santa Fun Run 2010 will start and finish at Waterfront City. Individuals, families and community groups of all abilities will be given the option of running, walking, wheeling or jingling all the way around either a five kilometre or 10 kilometre course. All money raised will go towards funding Variety Victoria\'s invaluable work in assisting disadvantaged and special needs children. A registration fee of $30 per person will apply with all Santas then being encouraged to seek sponsorship donations online with the support of GoFundraise in order to hit their fundraising target.

All participants will receive a complimentary, official, five-piece Variety
Santa Suit to ensure they look the part.

Marathon runner, gold medallist and event ambassador Steve Moneghetti said: I\'m delighted to be involved with Variety Victoria\'s Santa Fun Run. This is a fun event for the whole family. I\'ll be bringing my wife, Tanya, and my four children along to run for this great cause. I\'ve participated in 22 international marathons throughout my career but I\'m sure this will be the most unusual of them all ... and a lot of fun!

On the day, participants will be able to take advantage of free massages and a delicious sausage sizzle as well as being delighted by live Christmas themed entertainment and of course the arrival of the REAL Santa Claus!
The Santa Fun Run aims to bring the community together in support of sick, disadvantaged and special needs kids and all money raised will go towards helping children in need to live, laugh and learn.

Registrations for the Santa Fun Run 2010 close Friday 3 December at 5pm
or register on the day at Waterfront City from 7am.

For more information visit www.varietysantafunrun.com.au
About Variety Victoria:

Variety Victoria, the children\'s charity, is dedicated to enriching the lives of children in need across the state by providing them with opportunities to increase their quality of life and allowing them to fulfil their full potential. The organisation achieves this with the provision of equipment, facilities and life experiences through its Grants program which is funded by a myriad of special, innovative fundraising events as well as sponsorships and donations.