Hundreds of healthy-looking Santas took to the streets of the north-east yesterday when they participated in a 5k event for local charities.
The festive fun was staged at Aberdeen’s Sports Village and, for the first time, an Inverurie Santa run took place, which started outside the town hall.
Fluffy beards and traditional Santa suits brightened up Inverurie yesterday morning as 300 red-coated runners took part in the inaugural event.
After drawing a large crowd of spectators to the town centre despite the icy weather, the town was “buzzing” with seasonal cheer and cries of ‘Ho Ho Ho’ could be heard throughout the starting line.
The occasion was organised by Inverurie Events, whose chairman Hamish Vernal was on hand to show his support for the runners and said he was “absolutely delighted” with the turnout.
He added: “It’s great to see everyone dressed up – there’s a real buzz about the town and it just carries on from the great success we had at our lights switch on.
“It’s something different, but I think it will prove to be a popular part of our Christmas Festival.
“It’s a fantastic sight to see the whole of the West High Street being turned into a sea of red and white.”
Inverurie Pharmacy owner, Imogen Will made it a family affair as she pushed her children along in their buggy.
Loen Will, four and Lark Will, one, came prepared in reindeer outfits and enjoyed the three-mile route around the town centre.
Mrs Will said: “I wanted to support Inverurie and taking part in the very first Santa run seemed like a fun thing to do with the kids.”
In Aberdeen, 350 joggers took part in the second Santa run to be hosted by the Sports Village raising funds for CHAS.
Emma Moore from the charity thanked all the entrants and said the £1,500 raised would go a long way to help families and children using their services across Scotland.