Saddleworth Santa Dash, the 'biggest yet' raising £13K for charity

Hundreds of people took part in the Santa Dash

An estimated 3,000 people visited the annual Saddleworth Santa Dash in Uppermill, on Saturday. 

Organisers Saddleworth Round Table, say they raised more than £13,000 for local charities after the event. 

Chairman Andy Rothwell told The Oldham Evening Chronicle: "We were taken aback by how much of a success this year's event was. 

"We were very happy with the turnout of those doing the 2k or 5k runs too.

"Many thanks to all the Round Table helpers and other local charities and people who got involved."

There were more than fifteen hundred people taking part in their Santa suits this year.

One man, who took his family to the event was the first past the post, while pushing a pram. 

He told us: "This has been a really good family event. We took it easy on the 2k dash, but we got round first.

"The kids have loved it"

The main location of the event moved, into the King George V Park this year, so that more visitors could be accommodated. 

There was a music stage supplied by radio station Revolution 96.2, where they did a dance warm-up for everyone taking part, Santa came on stage and then led a procession from Uppermill square to the museum. 

There was a fireworks display and some brass bands and a choir.  Two local musicians played some covers to see the night out. 

The money raised will be distributed to local charities in the Saddleworth area and people are being urged to get in touch with Saddleworth Round Table, if they'd like to be considered for a donation.

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