A record-breaking day for the 15th Great Skipton Santa Fun Run

It may have been a dull, drizzly Sunday morning, but it did not deter a record-breaking 2266 people, both young and old, from taking to the streets of Skipton for the 15th Great Skipton Santa Fun Run, organised by the Rotary Club of Skipton Craven, in association with Skipton Town Council as a precursor to the switching on of the Christmas lights later in the day.

After a lively warm-up session led by Emily Parkinson from No 45 Otley Street Personal Training, runners and walkers set off on a 5K route that took them through Aireville Park and then into the muddy Skipton Woods, emerging through the top gate of the woods on the Bailey to complete the final kilometre via Regent Road and Otley Road back to the High Street. Wheelchair users took a shorter 3k route through Aireville Park and back to the High Street via Coach Street and Swadford Street.

Rotarian David Squire, who was marshalling the exit from Skipton Woods said: "The first to pass through the gate were the 'serious' runners' who appeared about 10 minutes after the start; and then followed a steady stream of runners, then walkers. Despite the conditions, they were all cheerful and clearly determined to complete the course. There were even two lads who were on their second lap!"

The first across the finish line was in 17.5 minutes, taking half a minute off the previous record.

Peter Ripley, Lead Organiser for the Fun Run said: "What a fantastic turnout for our 15th Fun Run! The weather was not perfect, but it didn't seem to put anyone off, which is testament to the growing success of this annual pre-Christmas event which raises so much money for local charities. It's too early to say how much we have raised but it will be a record of over £55k — we will reveal the amount raised early in the New Year.

There are lots of people to thank, especially Louise Close and her Team at Skipton Town Council for their continuing and enthusiastic support (and for inviting me to switch on the Christmas lights); to Your Skipton Radio for their tremendous support on the day; to our Gold Sponsors LA Comms, Fibrelite and Midgley Motors, and our 19 Silver Sponsors and 4 Bronze Sponsors whose contributions help towards the cost of running this event.

A special thank you must go to Andrew 'Woody' Wood, The Community Fundraising Manager at Manorlands Hospice who, every year since 2010, has been at the start and finish dressed in his Rudolph outfit, offering encouragement and his own unique commentary for the benefit of all participants.

To the many volunteer marshals around the route who ensure the safety of all the participants — thank you.

And, to all 2266 participants — well done, we hope you enjoyed it - see you next year!"