It’s getting round to that time of year again, as Santa gets out his sleigh and starts taking his reindeer for some training runs to get them fit enough for the big night on 24 December.
And he’s loved his recent visits to Kilmarnock so much he’s bringing his team back again for a quick stop on Sunday 20 November.
But it’s not just Rudolph and his pals who’ll be getting a work out, Ayrshire Cancer Support are staging a 3k “Reindeer Dash” from the Howard Park to The Cross to meet up with Santa and his team.
Open to people of all ages, the Reindeer Dash can be walked or run, with all proceeds going to support the charity which does such good work in supporting cancer patients and their families throughout Ayrshire.
Santa broke off from his hectic schedule to reveal: “We’re already very busy this year compiling lists of deserving children and sorting our routes. Covering the whole planet in one night means my reindeer need to be extremely fit, so it’s great to get a training run with a place where they can stop and rest for a while.
“We’ve been made SO welcome in Kilmarnock Town Centre in the last couple of years that we’re looking forward to coming back to visit all the boys and girls and their families. I’m very excited to hear that the Junior Choir from Centrestage will also be there – I love a good sing song!"
Fiona Nicolson, Town Centre Manager from East Ayrshire Council’s Economic Development team says: “I’m delighted that Santa has chosen Kilmarnock as a stop on his training route again this year, and we’re looking forward to seeing all the runners and walkers from the Reindeer Dash doing their bit for a good cause.
"Santa will arrive at the Cross at 12.00pm and travel down King Street in his sleigh before heading back to the Cross where we’ll have a cosy pen all ready for his reindeer to break their journey. He’ll be here until 3.00pm so it gives him plenty of time to chat and let people see his beautiful reindeer.
“This is just the start of all the festive activities we have planned. Our ever popular Christmas Lights Switch On will take place the following week, on Sunday 27 November and then on Saturdays in December we’re planning more Christmas activities so we’re looking forward to a great few weeks in the town centre – watch this space for details!”