SANTAS of all ages powered along a one-mile route through Andover town centre in aid of charity on Sunday.
The annual Santa Fun Run hosted by Valley Leisure saw over 170 white-bearded and red-suited runners pace down Bridge Street and up High Street for the Countess of Brecknock and the newly open I Can Therapy Centre, based in Charlton.
Mayor of Test Valley Councillor Carl Borg-Neal also donned a Santa suit and offered words of encouragement to all the participants who braved the weather to race.
The mayor himself also took part and finished within the top ten Santas.
Riverside Bowl facility manager Nicki Grimison said: “We are delighted to continue the tradition of the Santa Fun Run, and working with Simplyhealth and Snap Fitness provides an ideal platform for the event.
“The support of the local community for this event is fantastic and it was a great credit to all our Santas for braving the cold and rain in support of worthy causes.”
St Mary’s ward councillors Iris Andersen and John Cockaday were also on hand to officially start the event and welcome the runners home.
Will Matthews was declared the overall winner with Grace Paterson coming second, and first for the ladies, and John Pragnell third, and first for the juniors.
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