FOR the first time in its six-year history, the YMCA East Surrey Santa Run was a "full house" in advance.
Six hundred runners signed up for Sunday's event in Reigate's Priory Park. They included mini Santas, aged as young as 5, racing friends, parents and grandparents – plus the occasional dog.
Ian Burks, chief executive of YMCA East Surrey, said: "The Santa Run is all about family fun.
"A little bit of drizzle didn't put anyone off – it was wonderful to see a record number of entrants this year.
"We are grateful to everyone who helped us to raise money to support our vital projects working with local young people."
The first man home in the three- mile adult Santa race was Christian Froggatt, with Melanie Thornton Bell the fastest woman home.
Eleven-year-old Nicholas Smith scored an impressive hat-trick in the junior one-mile race, winning for the third year running.
Gabriella Ceccherini, 9, a pupil at Hawthorns School in Bletchingley, was the first girl to cross the line.
Medals and refreshments were on offer to all who took part and prizes were presented to the winners and runners up in each race.
Among the youngsters taking part was Laila Altuga, 7, a member of the YMCA's Yippee Club.
The club is a play scheme for 5 to 11-year-olds with disabilities.
This year, Yippee and Yip4Youth – a similar project for those aged 12-18 – both based at the Sovereign Centre in Reigate, have provided 32,000 hours of short breaks to youngsters with a disability.
The next big YMCA event in Priory Park will be a fun run on May 3.
Mr Burks added: "We have an extensive programme of fundraising events already planned for next year.
"We will be skydiving, abseiling, running, cycling and walking so please contact us to find out more."
Further details are available at www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk/
