Washington's Santa Run celebrates biggest turnout despite freezing weather

Freezing temperatures didn’t put of more than 100 festive runners who donned Santa’s famous red-and-white suit to raise money for charity with a Christmas 5k.

By Poppy Kennedy

Published 1st Dec 2019, 15:44 BST- 1 min read

Updated 1st Dec 2019, 16:09 BST

Families gathered to take part in the annual event

Washington Running Club saw their biggest turnout to date at their fifth annual Santa Run on Sunday December 1, to raise funds for local charity, Jigsaw.

The event saw Santas, elves, Despicable Me minions and even Hartlepool United mascot H’Angus the monkey take part in the course on a chilly Sunday morning.

Anthony Foster, secretary of Washington Running Club, said: “It was pretty icy this morning so we had to take it steady but it was bright and sunny and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

The Santa Dash is raising funds for Washington's Jigsaw

“It’s an event for all ages and there were a few parents who had brought their children in push chairs to take part.

“It was our biggest turnout to date, despite the cold weather, and we're hoping to raise as much as possible for Jigsaw.

“At least one of out members benefits from the work Jigsaw does which is why we chose to support the charity with this event.

“We received amazing support from the people of Washington throughout the entire course.”

Members of Washington Running Club, together with family and friends, taking part in their annual Santa Run in Washington on Sunday morning.

It is not yet known how much has been raised at the event with funds donated to be counted on Monday.

Washington-based charity, Jigsaw, is a group for autistic children aged four to 14. The club gives the children the opportunity to play and socialise in a safe environment with children who have similar needs.