HUNDREDS of Santa went on the run in Kidderminster as part of a record breaking annual charity event in aid of the town’s hospice.

The 10th annual Kemp Santa Fun Run took place on Sunday (December 3) at Brinton’s Park in Kidderminster and saw 533 people sign up to take part in the traditional 10k, family 5k and children’s 1k dash.

Such was the popularity of the event this year that registration for runners to take part had to be closed early while the final figure of participants was almost three times as many as last year.

Proceeds raised from the event will go to Kemp Hospice and the total raised over the last decade through the run has now exceeded £160,000.

Shelley Stanley, Challenge & Events Fundraiser for Kemp Hospice said: “It was an incredible day with so many fantastic people coming together to help us celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Santa Fun Run.

“Everyone taking part had an amazing day and they all really did the Wyre Forest proud.

“It was lovely to see so many people coming together as a community, putting on their Santa suits and putting their best foot forward to help Kemp raise money for the work we do right here in their community.

“Brinton’s Park was a sea of Santa’s from the morning right through to the afternoon, and the energy and enthusiasm from everyone was so inspiring.

“We had hoped that we would beat last year’s runner numbers but we were absolutely blown away by the number of people who signed up, more than doubling last year’s! We can’t thank them enough.”

This year’s event was supported by businesses and groups such as sponsor Lombard Group, The Midcounties Co-operative, Wyre Forest District Council Sports Development, Bewdley Chambermaids, Kidderminster & Stourport Athletics Club, Booker Wholesale, Signal 107, LJ Fitness, National Citizen Service, The Canal & River Trust, Severn Area Rescue Association, the Mayor of Kidderminster Nicky Gale and more than 60 hospice volunteers.