Festive fun at annual Santa run

RUDOLPH and the rest of the reindeer were left in their stables at Teesdale Athletics Club stage its third annual Santa run last weekend.
The festive fun run saw some 58 Santas jog through the grounds of The Bowes Museum and around the Barnard Castle School grounds.
The main event was preceded by an elf run, which attracted 29 U10s – and their parents – who enjoyed going once round the museum grounds.
This year’s event also coincided with the second day of The Bowes Museum's Christmas market.
Although not a race, first home in the Santa run was Jonathan Hann, ahead of Josh Mawer, who both run for Teesdale AC. The first female home was another Teesdale AC runner, Shona Haston.
Mr Hann said it was the first time he had entered the event.
“It was a good course and I really enjoyed it,” he said.
Other runners had come from further afield.
Eddie Greenwood, who ran the elf run with his four-year-old daughter Poppy, was part of a group from Heighington.
“We only just heard about last night and thought we would do it. We came for the Christmas market and the run – it’s a fun day out.”
Donna Hawcroft, one of the race organisers from Teesdale AC, said that after last year’s snow and ice, she was relieved conditions were good for running.
“It’s gone really well and there was a good atmosphere.
“I think it’s nice to have it on the same day as the market. It makes it a bit more of a festive occasion.”
The event was run in support of Teesdale Lions Club, whose members acted as stewards around the course.