OVER 100 fun runners dressed up in Father Christmas suits for Malvern’s first ever Santa Fun Run, held at Elim International College on Saturday.

Participants ranged from from six-month-old Martha Thorp, who was pushed around the course in her buggy by dad Dave, to 69-year old Sheila Whelan from Worcester.

Everyone received a Santa suit at registration and after getting dressed up and photographed they set off around the 2km course at 10.30am.

Most families ran one lap but a few hardy runners did all three. On finishing, everyone received a medal, a mince pie and a certificate of completion.

Event organiser Laura Mearns said: "The certificates were a big hit, with a lot of children saying they’d be taking them to show-and-tell at school. But I think the people who were the most excited to get one were the grandparents."

"The Elim ground staff had done a fantastic job preparing the cross-county course and had even set up a brazier which kept everyone warm while they waited for the start.

"Some runners had been concerned that the event may not go ahead due to freezing temperatures and a forecast of snow but sub-zero temperatures and snow are Santa’s favourite conditions.

"The light snow, Christmas music, fruit punch, Christmas cake, mince pies and the event staff in Santa suits all created a great atmosphere.

Fiona James from Cheshire, who ran with three generations of her family, summed up the mood when she said “What a fun, festive event in what a beautiful setting.”

Elim College and event organisers Greenrock Ltd hope to repeat the run next year.