HUNDREDS of Santas are to descend on Southsea seafront to take part in a festive fun run.

A mass of families and friends dressed in Father Christmas outfits will hit the pebbles in a bid to raise cash for the RNLI.

Runners can choose between the 5k family run or the 10k adult run – and they even get to keep their Santa suit.

After finishing the race, the runners will receive a medal which doubles up as a Christmas tree bauble, as well as a mince pie and hot drink.

For Chris Aldous the event has become a traditional part of the run-up to Christmas.

The 26-year-old, of Queens Road, Copnor, has just registered to take part in the run for the third year in a row.

He said: 'I love Christmas and this gets you into the spirit of it. It’s funny to see so many people in Santa suits and the atmosphere is fantastic.'

'They play lots of Christmas tunes and have a drumming band to get you into the mood.'

‘And it’s all for a good cause, which is the most important thing.'

‘The RNLI does so much good work on the coast and it doesn’t get any government funding so I always do whatever I can to help it.’

This is the fourth year the event has taken place.

More than 1,500 people took part last year, and this time organisers hope to see over 2,000 join in the fun.

One of the organisers, Robert Piggott, of fitness group Believe and Achieve which sponsors the event, said: ‘It’s all about getting people outside to enjoy the fresh air and have a bit of fun.

‘Lots of people jazz their suits up with tinsel and decorations and just have a laugh with it, which is exactly what we want.'

‘All the money raised from the run will go directly to the RNLI, which does an amazing job.’

The event takes place on December 11.

The 10k runners start their race from South Parade Pier at 10.50am.

Those taking part in the 5k will also leave from the pier, at 11am.

Portsmouth News 27 Oct 2011

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