Hundreds dressed as Santa take part in fun run

On their way, the runners set off in the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The East Coast Hospice Appeal held its inaugural Santa Dash on Gorleston Promenade on Sunday morning.

On their way, the runners set off in the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The event was raising money to build an independent inpatient hospice near Beacon Park in Gorleston serving people in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney areas.

On their way, the runners set off in the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

More than 250 people took part, starting with a festive 2k fun run along a flat seafront route and followed by the upping of the pace with a competitive, professionally chip timed 5k Santa Dash Race on the Gorleston Cliff top.

On their way, the runners set off in the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Corporate fundraiser at the charity Joanna Storey said she was pleased with the success of the event.

On their way, the runners set off in the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

She added: “Many families ran, skipped & walked together in the 2k fun run along the promenade and 250 runners enjoyed the challenge of the 5k event.

On their way, the runners set off in the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

“We are really grateful for all the support from the Great Yarmouth road runners and we have raised a fantastic amount for the East Coast Hospice Appeal.”

On their way, the runners set off in the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

She also thanked sponsors Persimmon Homes and Coleman Opticians and race director Chris Harbord, who also organises the popular clifftop parkrun.

The start of the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

The start of the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

A mince pie for two-year-old Angus Robinson before the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Ready with a Father Christmas mascot, Lilah Howell, six, prepares for the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Waveney Valley AC runners ready for the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Abi Lawson and Honey the cockerpoo ready for the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

One dog dressed and ready for the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

One dog dressed and ready for the East Coast Santa Dash fun run at Gorleston. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)