In pictures: Dozens of festive fundraisers dash through West Park to raise money for Beacon charity for the blind
Wolverhampton's West Park was painted red and white this weekend as almost 200 Santa's ran for charity.
The festive fun did not end at Christmas for almost 200 runners who dressed up as Santa Claus and ran five kilometres on Sunday to raise money for the Beacon charity for the blind.
Last month, Storm Darragh stopped the charity runners in their tracks and the event had to be postponed to January 26.
Despite the weather not being much better this weekend, the determined group were all smiles on the grey, drizzly morning.
Santa suits were handed out to participants of all ages on the day, with festive bandanas for the four-legged friends.
The race was kicked off by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Linda Leach, who got into the festive spirit to cheer on the runners and walkers as they jingled around the course.
Although the total amount raised has not yet been calculated, more than £2000 has been raised through sponsors alone.
Tickets to take part cost £12 for adults, £7 for children and £5 for dogs, with some of the ticket price going towards the costumes and the rest going to the charity. The Santa Run is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for them.
Beacon Fundraising Manager Sarah Dovey said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who turned up and helped us spread some festive joy, even in January!
"It’s been wonderful to see the community coming together to support people living with sight loss, and we couldn’t have done it without the dedication of our volunteers including the Park Run officials, Martha Cummings from the City of Wolverhampton Council and Lloyds Banking Group.
"We’re also incredibly grateful to everyone who was sponsored to take part in the race and a huge thank you goes to the Mayor of Wolverhampton for helping us start the race in true Christmas style – it was a brilliant morning all round!”
Runners were also able to set up their own JustGiving page and fundraise for the charity through sponsors.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Beacon Centre for the Blind can do so here.
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