Joyful Santa Dash proves another huge hit

What a Santa Dash! Image courtesy of Craig Hannah

A happy red and white tide of charity Santas swept through a Saddleworth village, when more than 2,500 contestants took part in the legendary Santa Dash.

Organised by the hard-working team of Saddleworth Round Table, 25 volunteers set off to stamp their mark on the event in it’s 11th year, with a forecast to raise £30,000 for local good causes.

And despite a squally start to the day on King George V playing fields, Uppermill, a heavy downpour of rain held off until after the Dash itself ended.

Runners themselves completed the 2km or 5km fun run in a circuit to Greenfield, before a welcome return to cross the Uppermill finishing line.

Every entrant received a medal, before a prize presentation, followed by the village’s Winter Wonderland event included a Santa parade and light switch on and firework display.

And this year, Round Table teamed up with famed Saddleworth Tractor Group, who had to cancel their annual Christmas Eve Tractor Parade because of safety issues over its growing size.

After the Santa Dash set off, ten vintage tractors paraded down the High Street with a Saddleworth Mountain Rescue Team.

They then based at Saddleworth Museum car park, where tractors remained on display during the afternoon.

Andy Rothwell, Round Table’s lead, said: “I think we’ve met our capacity at this year's event with nearly 3,000 Santa and it doesn’t seem to matter about the weather.

"Everyone turns up and has a good time.

“And we are hoping to raise £30,000.

"We do this to give money back to the community.”

Saddleworth Morris Men accompanied Santa, and the event ended with a fireworks display as Dobcross youth band also entertained during the day.

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