BIRMINGHAM city centre became a sea of red and white as more than 400 Santas took part in a charity run.
The fun-loving Father Christmases darted around Birmingham’s BrindleyPlace for the three-kilometre route in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Armed with their red suits and white beards – supplied as part of the Birmingham Mail Charity Trust – the dedicated fund-raisers helped support the local hospices in Selly Oak, Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester.
The charity event was one of many similar events lined up under the trust and consisted of both young and old entrants.
A snow machine coupled with Christmas songs and music helped transform the route into a festive spectacular. Birmingham’s insurance team at Legal & General were the lead sponsors of the event, joining many other corporate teams including Frank Haslam Milan and Pearl Group, all of whom were wearing Santa outfits.
A group of Aston Villa supporters also took part in the run before heading over to Villa Park in their outfits to watch a comprehensive 3-0 win over Hull City. Kerrie Davies, events manager at Acorns, said that 430 Santas taking part was fantastic.
“The snow machine made it that extra bit festive,” added Kerrie.
“It was a great way to get into the spirit of Christmas and help bring in vital funds.” Runners at Birmingham University helped to raise money for the charity on Friday.
Another Santa run is planned for Walsall next Sunday.
