A RECORD 495 festive fun runners merrily took over Monmouth’s high street on Sunday morning.

The 12th Santa Fun Run organised by the Spirit of Monmouth Running Club saw Father Christmases, elves, Grinches, crackers, presents, angels and reindeer set out from Monnow Bridge on a 2.1km loop through the town centre and back across Vauxhall.

The sky was the limit for Monmouth School for Boys’ Harry Guerin, as he and his schoolmates dressed as a ‘Host of Angels’ scooped the team fancy dress prize.

“Last year I won as Olaf from Frozen, so this year went for the team award,” he said, although one mum quipped: “It’s a bit ironic that they see themselves as angels!”

Katie Mapp’s costume proved a cracker – quite literally – as she scooped the best dressed woman Santa prize as a Xmas cracker.

The Monmouth Comprehensive pupil said: “I won’t be that quick, but I’ve run as a snowman, an Advent calendar, a Christmas tree, and an elf on a reindeer before and won a few fancy dress prizes.”

Some 20 runners from Monmouth’s Rock Up and Run group – formed 18 months ago – also joined the festive throng.

Founder Kirsty Jones said: “It’s superb.We’re a socially inclusive group, just like this event, which is all about having a go.”

And anyone who wants to join MRUR’s ‘Couch to 5km’ programme in January can do so on its Facebook page or via monmouthrockupandrun @gmail.com.

Also getting a kick out of the day was five-year-old Chloe Smith and her friends from Monmouth Town Girls’ Football Club.

“It’s fantastic and I’m really excited,” she said.

Club organiser Emma Dorrington added: “The older girls are playing in Cardiff today, so the youngsters decided to come here and get into the Christmas spirit.”

Meanwhile Mike Beeks and daughter Lucy Alford were gift wrapped for the run – dressed as two giant presents

“It’s my idea, but all Dad’s work,” said Lucy. “It weighs a bit, but at least it’s warm inside.”

Best girls’ team fancy dress went to sisters Ellie and Bethan Masters, while chief race organiser Stuart Kramer won the run’s Xmas Spirit award in his eighth and final race in charge.

“The sun shone and it was a a fantastic morning of festive spirit, just like the club’s name, with an entry record,” he said.

“We love holding the fun run, and it was great to see everyone enjoying it, including dogs, toddlers in push chairs and disabled children. We’ve raised more than £20,000 over the years for charity and hope to add another good sum.”

To see photos of the run, go to the Monmouth Santa Fun Run’s Facebook page.

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