A RECORD number of runners took to the streets of Bicester dressed in red Santa costumes.
About 240 people took part in the two- mile Santa Fun Run, which started and finished at Pingle Field, and took in Market Square and Sheep Street.
The course was due to cover three miles, but as parts of Pingle Field were water-logged the route was reduced to the two miles. The first male over the finishing line was Tom Gould, 13, and the first woman was Laura Alexander.
Previously the highest number of people taking part was 98, but this year’s event attracted members of Bicester Athletics Club and its children’s cross country group, and Bicester Tri Club.
One runner, Michelle McWhinnie, 39, pictured with her daughter Erin, eight, said Erin had persuaded her to don the Santa costume and take part.
She said: “It was my first time – my daughter runs for Bicester Athletics Club and everyone was going along from there, and she asked me to run with her.
“It was good.”
Money raised from the event will go to the mayor’s charities, the 23 Pioneer Regiment Benevolent Fund and the Haematology Trials Fund at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford.
Picture: OX55823 Damian Halliwell
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