Thousands take part in biggest ever Santa Run in London

Around 3,000 Santa Clauses took part in the annual charity run in London, while 7,000 entered a similar event in Glasgow.

Sunday 8 December 2019 16:58, UK

Around 3,000 people dressed in Santa suits dashed around Victoria Park
Image: Around 3,000 people dressed in Santa suits dashed around Victoria Park
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Thousands of Santa Clauses have put on their running shoes to take part in annual charity dashes across the UK.

Around 10,000 people were involved on Sunday, running either a 5km or 10km route at events in London and Glasgow to raise cash for dozens of charities.

It was the largest ever London Santa Run, which saw around 3,000 people wearing red suits, bobble hats and white beards run around Victoria Park.

Organisers expect to raise up to £1 million in the London run
Image: Organisers expect to raise up to £1m in the London run
Runners at the London event are raising money for 65 charities
Image: Runners at the London event raised money for 65 charities

Runners were later awarded free mince pies and a medal for completing the course.

Skyline Events, the organisers for the London Run, say they expect to raise up to £1m for 65 charities this year.

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Thousands take part in Glasgow's Santa Dash
The Glasgow dash has raised more than £350,000 since it started in 2006
Image: The Glasgow Dash has raised more than £350,000 since it started in 2006

"Seeing 3,000 Santas in Victoria Park is a pretty mad sight," said Skyline spokesperson Siobhan Dillon, before adding: "It was really good fun and gets everyone into the Christmas spirit."

It is not currently clear how much has been raised at the event in Scotland. However, Glasgow City Council says it has raised more than £350,000 in the run since it started in 2006.