All dressed in red Santa outfits, they ran, jogged or walked through the streets of the town, some accompanied by their children or grandchildren and others with their pet dogs (SEE PHOTO GALLERY BELOW).
They created an uplifting festive atmosphere and raised thousands of pounds for the Cancer Research UK charity, with the organisers hailing the event “a resounding success”.
The ‘Santa Special’ is a spin-off from the annual Run For Life events held in Louth every year, which have raised about £950,000 for the charity.
Louth Rotary Club joined forces with the Louth Run For Life team to organise the day, which took in a route through the town centre, starting and finishing on Market Place and looping around St James’s Church.
Participants could cover one lap of the course (two kilometres) or two laps (four kilometres). The run was open to all ages and abilities and included a wheelchair-friendly course too.
Run For Life chairman Simon West posted on Facebook: “Thankyou to everyone who signed up and took part, and also to all the supporters who lined the course to cheer on family and friends.
“A massive thankyou too to our amazing volunteers who helped keep everyone safe. They deserve a massive round of applause.
“Thanks also to all the local businesses who were our corporate sponsors. They have covered all of the event’s set-up costs, meaning that every penny from entry fees and sponsorship has gone to to vital life-saving research into more than 200 types of cancer.”
Simon also hailed law firm Bridge McFarland for allowing its offices to be used as race HQ, and Magna Vitae and the Alfredo Lounge restaurant for giving up their premises as Santa-suit collection-points.
Ross Carrick, of BBC Radio Lincolnshire was the event host, while Rick Howell, of The Turks Head pub, created a festive environment by providing music.
A spokesperson for Louth Rotary said: “We love to get involved in fun and inclusive events, and if we can raise money for good causes while giving our time, that’s even better.
"Fighting disease is a core mission of Rotary International, and this event was a brilliant way to support vital cancer research while bringing the community together.”
The efforts of the organisers won praise from Louth residents, with one, Julie Wilkinson, posting on Facebook: “Well done on a well-organised event once again. You all work so hard to make it happen and raise a fantastic amount of money for cancer research.”
Louth is now looking forward to its next big fundraising event – the Christmas Charity Tractor Road Run on Sunday, December 21.
Check out our photo gallery below, which captures the fun of the Santa Run For Life event.
1. Like mother, like son
Mum Tessa Ball and her three-year-old son, Rory Ball, of Louth, dress up for the occasion. Photo: D.R.Dawson Photography
2. Pushchairs on the run too
Even toddlers in pushchairs tackled the course through the town centre. Photo: D.R.Dawson Photography
3. Getting into the spirit of things
Getting into the (Christmas) spirit of things was this Santa-suited band of friends. Photo: D.R.Dawson Photography
4. Cheering supporters
Supporters line the streets to cheer on the runners as they hit the first bend of the course. Photo: D.R.Dawson Photography