THE streets of Carlisle were completely taken over by Santas over the weekend.

People turned out in their droves to take part in this year's Carlisle Santa Dash, which started at Bitts Park and finished at the Market Cross in the city centre on Sunday.

People of all ages turned up to take part, or watch those they knew taking part, in the 5km Santa Dash at 10.30am or the 2km Santa Fun Run/Walk at 11.30am.

"It does [feel extra special this year]," said steward Glen Howson, 50, as he reflected on last year's event having to be called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Lots of kids do it with all their mums and it's nice to see their little faces. It's also nice to see people having fun and getting into the spirit of things.

"I have ran it more times than I have stewarded it, but it is more fun running it I think."

STEWARDS: Glen Howson (left) and Tracy Beckett

STEWARDS: Glen Howson (left) and Tracy Beckett

Fellow steward, Tracey Beckett, 49, has volunteered at the Dash numerous times.

Explaining one of the reasons why the race is special, she said: "You don't have to be a runner – it is just the fun element of it [that people get involved for]."

The event, run by Sports in Action, was raising money for Eden Valley Hospice this year.

Gavin Hawkton, who had just finished fifth in the Dash, said: "It has become part of Carlisle and it is part of our festive celebrations.

"It combines two things that a lot of people seem to love, which are running and Christmas.

Gavin Hawkton said the event has become a part of Carlisle’s build up to Christmas

Gavin Hawkton said the event has become a part of Carlisle’s build up to Christmas

"You can see that the kids really enjoy it as well – they get their costumes on and they're really excited – and it's a happy, healthy thing to do."

Steve Viney, 73, has been taking part in the Carlisle Santa Dash runs since they first came to the city in 2016, and has been running for 55 years.

When asked if he was surprised about the impressive turn out this year, he said: "No, because it is a community [event].

The route took the runners past many of the citys well-known landmarks, like the castle and Tullie House

The route took the runners past many of the city's well-known landmarks, like the castle and Tullie House

"Lots of people are perfectly willing to do this sort of thing for charity and [Eden Valley Hospice] is a great charity.

"It's fabulous to see people out again."

To find out more about Eden Valley Hospice, or to donate visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org.