HUNDREDS of Santas braved the utterly miserable conditions on Sunday morning to run around Winchester city centre, raising tens of thousands of pounds for charity.

The annual Santa Fun Run, which starts and finishes outside the Guildhall and raises money for local charity Naomi House and Jacksplace, was held for the fifteenth time in a joyous atmosphere, in spite of the weather.

This year was a first as the organisers decided to take a more environmentally friendly path by replacing the traditional Santa suits with Santa-style t-shirts.

Making up for the lack of sunshine and resplendent in their disco ball outfits were fitness professionals Triff and Charlotte Wroe, who drive up to the event each year from Poole and are now an integral part of the fun run.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Santa Fun Run a success despite rainy weather

Gemma Rolfe, who is in charge of fundraising for the event (Image: Sebastian Haw) "We love it," they said.

Triff explained: "This is always one of the best events of the year and this is the best ever. You can't beat it. And the amount of support we get – we were sold out this year, and to sell an event out is huge."

The organisers were delighted with this year's turnout of 750 runners and walkers who took on the five-kilometre route (there was also a two-kilometre option).

Becca Pike, who helps makes the fun run tick, was encouraged that the event continues to bounce back after having taken a hit during the pandemic.

She said: "This is our fourth biggest year. Especially after the pandemic it really dipped, and now it's just growing year on year. We're about 200 [participants] up from last year. And sometimes we go above that, because some people do go above and beyond."

Paul Morgan, director of fundraising at Naomi House, said: "Well, other than being a bit wet, it's a magnificent event. We were sold out a few weeks ago, with 750 people taking part, all of whom are helping raise funds which is really important for us. So the crucial part of this is that we love putting it on, but the money that's raised is what matters most."

SEE ALSO: Mother to run third Santa Dash run in Liverpool in memory of late daughter

Gemma Rolfe, who also looks after fundraising for the event, explained how the event is going from strength to strength after a resurgent few years in the aftermath of Covid.

Speaking about the money raised, she said: "Hopefully we should see more than £100,000. We're in our fifteenth year and we get so many returning participants, which is great. And this year, obviously we have brand new t-shirts, so we have no Santa suits."