On December 17, 2016, 5025 participants donned in 5-piece Santa suits broke the World Record for Largest Santa Run during the Great Outdoor Provision Co. Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler presented by Bon Secours In Motion in Virginia Beach. J&A Racing, a world-class race management company based in Virginia set out on this mission to make history and beat the current record holder in Ireland with 4,961 Santa’s, by providing a 5-piece Santa suit to all participants. The event had 5,700 registered participants, and 5,025 finished in Santa suits. In order to count toward breaking the world record, they had to be wearing all five pieces: red pants, a red jacket, hat, black belt, and white beard.

“It was so incredible to watch our awesome running and fitness community come together to support this fun and festive event, and make history right here in Virginia Beach, “ said Jerry Frostick, Race Director and owner of J&A Racing. “ Huge thanks and congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2016 Great Outdoor Provision Co. Surf-n-Santa 5 Miler presented by Bon Secours In Motion and helped us break the Guinness Book of World Records for Largest Santa Run!”

“I loved seeing all of the Santa’s in Virginia Beach, said Mayor of Virginia Beach, Will Sessoms. “It is great to know that a world record was set in the greatest city on the world. The folks at J&A Racing really know how to create a spectacular run, and I look forward to participating in 2017.”