One of the quirkiest sights of the year returned to Carlisle yesterday, as hundreds of Santas dashed through the city centre in support of Cumbria’s children’s hospice.

For a fourth year, the Carlisle Santa Dash returned to the city, which saw hundreds of people gathering at the Sheepmount stadium by Bitts Park dressed as Father Christmas before launching into a festive 5km run.

With a 2km fun run and walk also taking place later in the morning, about 800 people in total took part in the event, organised by Sport in Action, Carlisle Tri Club and DH Runners and sponsored by a number of local businesses.

Battling through the occasional outburst of heavy rain, the dashing Santas were cheered over the finish line next to the city centre’s market cross by watching friends and family.

Funds raised from the day will be donated to Jigsaw, the county’s children’s hospice, based at the Eden Valley Hospice site on Durdar Road on the souther edge of Carlisle.

Sam Johnston, community and events fundraiser for Jigsaw, said the charity felt “very privileged” to be again chosen by Santa Dash organisers as the recipient of the funds raised.

“We’re really proud to be the chosen charity for the Santa Dash,” said Sam.

“Not only do we receive the proceeds from the event, but we get the opportunity to come along and engage with people and talk about what Jigsaw does, and we couldn’t do that without events like this.

“Over the last three years, we’ve received over £25,000 in total from the Santa Dash.

“To run the hospice, it costs £2,126.46 every day. So the kind of donation we get from the Santa Dash really does make a massive difference.”

Waiting at the finish line to greet runners was the mayor of Carlisle, Marilyn Bowman.

Jigsaw is one of her three chosen charities for the year.

“I think it’s so good for the city to recognise all the good work done by Jigsaw, both for the children and their families,” she said.

“It’s a fantastic organisation, and I think one of the best things about it is that the staff work so hard and give so much to make it a happy place.

“It’s brilliant how much support they give to the families of those with life-limiting conditions, because that is something that affects a young person’s whole family.

“I think we should be very proud of what we’ve got, and support them.”