Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
If you’ve ever dreamt of dashing through Atlanta streets in your skivvies while donning a Santa hat, you’re in for a treat – it’s time for the Atlanta Santa Speedo Run! This 1-mile fun run, a cheeky celebration of the season, has become a holiday tradition where participants shed inhibitions along with their layers, all for a cause that warms the heart.
So, what exactly is the Atlanta Santa Speedo Run? It’s a festive and frivolous fundraising event benefiting Joining Hearts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to raising awareness and funds for prevention, care, and housing assistance to those affected by HIV/AIDS in Atlanta. The roots of this merry run trace back to Boston in 2000, and since its Atlanta debut in 2009, it has been a radiant beacon of joy and generosity.
Participants, affectionately known as Fun-Runners, are encouraged to embrace the holiday spirit by adorning themselves in Speedos and Santa hats – though any spirited costume is welcome. The emphasis is on fun, laughter, and, of course, supporting a cause that goes beyond the surface. If you choose to show up in your workout attire, be prepared for good-natured teasing – unless, of course, it’s decked out with sparkles and bells; then, you’re officially part of the festive brigade!
The Atlanta Santa Speedo Run’s mission is twofold: to raise funds for local charitable service organizations and to provide a non-competitive athletic event that fosters community celebration. The primary beneficiary, Joining Hearts, has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS since 1987. Originally formed to assist those living with the virus, Joining Hearts has evolved alongside medical advancements, expanding its reach to collaborate with various organizations combating the spread of HIV in Atlanta.
As the runners prance through the streets, their festive display symbolizes more than just holiday cheer; it represents a community coming together to support one another. Over the years, this spirited run has raised an astounding $815,000 for Atlanta-area charities, leaving a trail of goodwill in its wake. Previous beneficiaries have included a diverse array of local causes, including CHRIS Kids, Bert’s Big Adventure, and CURE Childhood Cancer, each contributing to the broader mission of spreading love, awareness, and assistance.
So, if you’re ready to don your Speedo with pride or sport a Santa hat that would make even Kris Kringle jealous, join the Atlanta Santa Speedo Run. It’s more than a run; it’s a joyful reminder that even in our boldest and barest moments, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Let the holiday spirit and generosity flow as freely as the laughter echoing through the streets of Atlanta – after all, that’s what the season is truly about.
Learn more or register to run at atlantasantaspeedorun.org.
