HUNDREDS of runners dressed as Father Christmas braved the cold to take part in a festive charity fun run.

The British Heart Foundation’s Santa Jog took place at York’s Knavesmire yesterday, with two races, a 2km race for families and children, followed by a 5km race for adults. All participants were encouraged to dress up and show support for the charity.

Angie Goldsmith ran the 2km race with her seven-year-old daughter, Lucy, who won the prize for best costume. Both ran with a team of about 30 from Archbishop of York’s Junior School.

Sara Harbord organised the school group, and ran with her children Sophie, 16, and Luke, 10, Nicky Nolan, and her children, Ellie, nine, and Liam, aged five.

Sara said: “It was brilliant. We run a running club at the school and have up to 100 members in total from different years, and we thought it would be nice to have them come and take part.

“It’s fun, and dressing up makes it more so, and gets them taking part.”

Luke said: “It was cold, but in a Santa suit, it was quite warm and easy, and it was very good fun.”

Ellie, who finished the race in sixth place, said: “It was strange running in a beard.”