Santa Speedo Shuffle: winter fitness for a great cause

Posted on 5 July, 2019

It’s that time of the year again! The annual Santa Speedo Shuffle is coming to Canberra on Sunday 28 July.

The Santa Speedo Shuffle began in 2011 as a fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis ACT (CFACT).

From 10 am, participants will walk, run or shuffle nine kilometres around the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin in an eye-catching dress code of red speedos to show support for those living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

CF is the most common life-shortening genetic condition in Australia and on average, one Australian child is born with cystic fibrosis every four days. The current average life expectancy for someone with CF is 38.

Cystic Fybrosis ACT’s mission is to improve the quality of life for people with CF and their carers, and a goal to provide support services, education and research that will help people with CF. This is where the Santa Speedo Shuffle comes in.

Created by Heidi and Andrew Prowse, the event raises much-needed funds for those with Cystic Fibrosis in the ACT, which includes Andrew.

Heidi explains that her goal is for the Shuffle to “keep growing.”

“I want people to be brave enough to get out in budgie smugglers and run around in the middle of winter!” she says.

“It’s a great way to raise money that does connect directly to helping people with CF live longer, healthier lives.”

And the Shuffle is indeed growing. In fact, this year there will be two Santa Speedo Shuffles run – one in Canberra and one in Adelaide.

Julia Langrehr, CEO of Cystic Fibrosis South Australia, says that she can’t wait to see the run take place later this year.

“We have great support from the South Australian community and can’t wait to see them embrace the fun and impact of the Santa Speedo Shuffle as our runners turn heads around the river bank!”

Here in Canberra, the goal this year is to fundraise up to $165,000 and for participants to raise at least $650 each.

So why not take part in this great cause?

Organise a team of friends or family to spend your Sunday by the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin, go for a walk, run or shuffle and raise much-needed funds in the process.

Use this event as an opportunity to work towards a goal, or get back into a healthy routine during the winter period.

All funds raised will go to Cystic Fibrosis ACT.

the essentials 

What: The Santa Speedo Shuffle 2019
When: Sunday 28 July 2019 from 10 am
Where: Southern Cross Yacht Club, Mariner Place Yarralumla
Website: santashuffle.fundraise.digital