SMILING Santas put the fun into a run that saw a red and white army dashing through Darlington.
Sprinting or strolling, the volunteers who took part in the annual Santa Run for St Teresa’s Hospice, helped raise thousands of pounds to support the charity’s work.
This year was a special celebration marking ten years of the fun run that starts at West Park Academy and follows a loop that covers nearly 5km with the option of a shorter route for little or tired legs.
Around 240 runners took part, each one given a Santa suit or hat to be dressed for the occasion, while dog owners also made sure their pets looked the part and brought colour to a wet, grey day.
First across the line was eight-year-old James Lamb, who goes to Abbey Junior School.
Many of the runners take part in memory of a lost loved one, wanting to do something to give back to the hospice.
Wendy Togher, running with sons George, 11, and seven-year-old Jacob, said: “We’re running in memory of my uncle Alan Dawson. We’ve done the Santa Run since 2016, it’s just what we do. We’ve raised £130 this time and over £1,000 overall.”
The Holland family – mum and dad Joanna and Mark and children Edward and Harriet – ran in memory of Uncle Stephen and Nana Nancy.
Handing out medals to everyone who crossed the line, Darlington’s mayor Anne-Marie Curry said: “I’d like to say well done to everyone who has taken part. It’s not been ideal conditions but thank you for supporting the hospice and fundraising for a valuable service.”
Members of Darlington Lions and Rotary volunteered to be marshals on the course.
St Teresa’s Hospice community support fundraiser Emily Robson said: “It is incredible just how many people turn out every year for this festive fun event, invariably in bad weather but with runners seldom deterred. We’re grateful to our sponsors Darlington Rotary and LaneSystems Ltd, and to West Park Academy for letting us use the venue free of charge. The spirit of the Santa run is indomitable and never has the hospice appreciated this so much as in this difficult period we are all experiencing.”