THE Spirit of Monmouth Running Club’s annual Santa run attracted its biggest entry ever.

Some 500 runners of all ages took part in the 2.1km (1.3m) run on Sunday morning (December 4).

Weather conditions were ideal, a beautiful cold and sunny December morning and many participants were wearing festive fancy dress.

Following a group warm-up, the run started at 10am on the Monnow Bridge with the route taking the runners up Monnow Street towards Osbaston, across Vauxhall fields and back to the bridge.

The first runner home – and winner of the prize for the first male Santa – was Sam Jones, who completed the route in nine minutes.

The first female Santa was Angela Jones and the fastest team was the Christ-Nash family.

The best-dressed Santa was Katie Mapp and the top juniors were 14-year-old Maddie Taylor and Dominic Davies who is 10.

This year, proceeds from the event will be donated to Meeting the Needs, a charity which benefits the children at the special needs unit at Overmonnow Primary School.

Race entry fees raised £1,429 with £1,000 matched by Barclays Bank, making a total of £2,429.

The running club thanked the local businesses, organisations and volunteers who make the event possible.

Race director Stuart Kramer said “A huge thank you to everyone who supported in whatever way this morning.

“Your help and enthusiasm turned a great day into a memorable one for all of the runners. The huge smiles on the little ones’ faces as they were cheered through the finish line was truly fantastic”

The running club’s next fundraising event is the popular Kymin Dash, which will be held on Sunday April 9. For more details visit www.kymin.spiritofmonmouth.co.uk

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.