With Christmas comes an inevitable over indulgence in food and drink and advent goodies, but fear not! There are plenty of sporting events going on in and around Rutland to keep you on your toes and in tip top condition for the big day.

Even pro-eaters need to train, you know!

On the 4th of December 2022, you can enjoy a Santa Fun Run, raising money for local rotary clubs and charities and keeping fit in the process.

First up is the Stamford Santa Fun Run which takes place in the beautiful grounds of Burghley House.

Stamford Santa Fun Run is an annual event attracting people of all ages – and fitness levels. Children and adults receive a Santa suit through their entry fee, and wearing them they can run or walk the 5km course within the safe, attractive and accessible setting of Burghley Park.

Adult entry costs £15, while for kids aged 5 - 12, the fee is £8. You can bring under 5's for free, but please don't register them.

Alternatively, head over to Cutts Close in Oakham on the 4th of December 2022 to join the Rutland Rotary Santa Fun Run.

The time of this event has been changed and will now take place at 12:15, with registration opening at 11:30am.

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The run will start and finish at the bandstand in Cutts Close Park and the total distance is 600 metres. People can do as many laps as they like up to a maximum of five. Santas will be offered mulled wine and mince pies when they have completed their run and there will be a hot dog stall available.

The cost is £10 for adults and £5 for children and includes a Santa suit.

Find out how to book here.

Santas running at Burghley (image courtesy of Stamford Santa Fun Run).

Ever thought about getting some more regular exercise at Rutland Water?

The Parkrun team host a weekly run every Saturday at 9am starting at Normanton Church.

Parkrunners can register for free via the parkrun UK website and need to bring a hard copy of their barcode. The Parkrun attracts all ages and abilities who walk, jog or run the 3 miles, from babies in buggies to Nordic walkers.

Everyone is encouraged back to the restaurant for a drink and a chat afterwards. Junior Parkrun happens every Sunday, also at Normaton at 9am, but a shorter distance of 2km and lots more cheering! £1 all day parking for park runners on the day.

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Not a fan of running?

How about hopping on your bike (or renting one) and joining the Rutland Water Specialized team for a Charity Santa Bike Ride!

Image courtesy of Specialized Rutland Water.

Riders will meet at Specialized Rutland Water and cycle to Rutland Cycling Whitwell, enjoy some warm drinks and mince pies and treats for the kids, and then have a steady pedal back to Normanton. The ride is a total distance of 8 miles at a steady pace along the traffic-free cycle route by the reservoir.

All ages and abilities are welcome.

This event costs £5 per family and all proceeds will go to Mind Nottingham.

Find out more and book here.

If sports isn't your thing, how about sponsoring a local student who is running 25 half marathons in 25 days for charity this December?

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Oakham School pupil Jono is running 25 half marathons from the 1st of December until the 25th, finishing his last run before he sits down for his well-earned Christmas dinner.

Find out more here.

Has all that sporting talk made you feel hungry? Check out our list of places to eat in and around Oakham this Christmas.

Check out the Oakham Nub News What's On page for more events.

Alternatively see our gift and shopping guide for Christmas gift inspiration, or view a range of family-friendly festive events in our Christmas events round up.