HUNDREDS of Santas dressed in seasonal attire and big white beards took part in a festively frosty fun run.

More than 400 children, adults and even dogs walked, jogged, ran or strolled the sixth annual Santathon yesterday.

The 5km (3.1 mile) fun run in aid of Worcester-based charity Leukaemia CARE was hailed a great success by organisers despite the cold weather.

First to cross the finishing line on an icy pitch at Worcester City Football Club’s ground in St George’s Lane, Barbourne, for the second year running was Pershore Sixth Form College student Scott Law.

The 17-year-old said: “The ice made it really hard but it was a really good pace. It was very good fun and it’s always a really good atmosphere.”

Lewis Roberts, of Battenhall, Worcester, came a close second and the 14-year-old Bishop Perowne High School student said he was running the event with his 12-year-old brother Ollie.

“Together we should have raised about £60 or £70,” he said. “It was a bit slippery on the road but it was great fun. Running around Worcester with hundreds of Santas is something you don’t get to do every day.”

The first female to finish was 18-year-old Hannah Train of Fladbury, who also attends Pershore Sixth Form.

“It was good, I enjoyed it,” she said.

Chris Lloyd, who owns Roger’s Barber Shop in Church Street, St John’s, Worcester, ran the event in a team for the fourth time and dressed as a Santa riding an inflatable horse.

“I’m running the London Marathon next year so I though this would give me a kickstart,” he said. “It’s also a good charity to run and raise money for.”

Mayor of Worcester Councillor Lucy Hodgson said the Santathon was a great event in the city’s calendar which was reflected by the large turnout.

“It’s a fantastic event and I hope it raises lots and lots of money,” she said. “It’s in its sixth year now and it seems to get bigger and better each year. It’s also a lovely way to start celebrating Christmas.”

Leukaemia CARE spokeswoman Gemma Harris said she was amazed at the participation.

“Given the financial turmoil the charity appreciates all of this support from so many people,” she said.

However, she urged people to send their sponsorship money to the charity which provides care and support to people whose lives have been affected by leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and the allied blood disorders, as soon as possible because it is easy to forget in the hectic run-up to Christmas.