Runners in red spread some festive cheer through the streets of Harlow for St Clare Hospice’s annual Santa Run.

About 160 people of all ages donned Santa’s famous red suit, hat and beard for the 4km Christmas event, which started and finished at Harlow Leisurezone.

Following a lively warm-up to stave off the winter chill, the fun 

© Simon Stanmore

runners set off after Harlow’s MP Robert Halfon led the countdown and sounded the klaxon at 11am.

Even the leisure centre’s mascot, Rocky the Rhino, joined those who walked or jogged the circuit on Sunday, Dec 8 to raise vital funds for the Hastingwood-based Hospice, which cares for people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses.

St Clare fundraising manager Anna Baldwin said: “It was a wonderful sight to see everyone in their Santa suits – there was even a dog dressed as a reindeer! There was a really festive atmosphere and it was a great way to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

We hope to have raised £8,500 from the Santa Run once all the sponsor money has been collected so we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along on Sunday to support St Clare this Christmas.”

If you missed Sunday’s event, there is still time to take part in the second Santa Run taking place in Epping on Thursday, 12th at 6.30pm (you can register on the day).

Entry is £15 for adults, which includes a free Santa suit, and £5 for children, who will receive a free Santa hat. Families of four can sign up for £37.50.