Santas are dashing through the Common (From Daily Echo)

Santas are dashing through Southampton Common

10:43am Monday 15th December 2008 in Search By Ash Bolton, Senior Winchester Reporter

IT’S not everyday you see around 160 Santa Clauses running through Southampton Common.

Especially this close to Christmas, what with all the presents to deliver.

But that was the sight that greeted bewildered city residents as scores of runners dressed up in red and white suits with fluffy beards for the annual, 5km Santa Dash.

The festive fundraiser was in aid of local charity the Wessex Heartbeat and it is hoped the event will raise thousands of pounds through sponsorship.

Watch the Santa Cam!

The event is just one of dozens taking place around the UK and abroad this month to get people fit and raise some cash for local causes at the same time.

Tina Richardson, a fundraiser at the W e s s e x Heartbeat, said: “It was absolutely amazing. There was a fantastic turnout.

It’s amazing what people do for charity at Christmas particularly on such a cold morning.

“I’d like to thank everybody on behalf of Wessex Heartbeat for making a fool of themselves.”

Piers Jiggens, 25, a student at Southampton University, who was the first Santa to cross the finishing line, said: “I ran it in 17 minutes and 35 seconds so it’s not bad.

“It was a bit chilly but really good fun and everyone had a smile on their face whether they were walking it or running it.”

Claire Jackson, 31, a scientist at Southampton General Hospital, who was the second female Santa Claus to finish, said: “It was quite cold but luckily the Santa outfits kept us nice and warm.”