"Santas from every corner of the UK were running, walking or crawling the 4.5 mile festive fun run to raise funds for the less fortunate this Christmas.

The Santa Run phenomenon started back in 2001 with 501 Santas taking part in the fundraising event on behalf of organisers, Newtown & District Dial A Ride. From then, Santa Run fever has spread like wild fire with each year doubling in size & recognition in 2004 from the Guinness Book of Records for the 'Largest Santa Gathering'.

This year, the event was on a smaller scale with around 1000 Santas taking part as well as groups and families. But still, as you can imagine, it's a spectacle in itself!

In 2006 we have tried to attract families and local worthy groups to take part and raise funds for local charities and good causes.

From what was solely an event to help raise funds for our small community transport charity way back in 2001, the Santa Run has grown into a huge internationally renowned annual event.

Earlier in the year we did cancel the event but decided to change our minds due to the vast amount of people contacting us.

The support has been phenomenal and it's given all the staff at Dial A Ride a feeling of pride since the small local transport charity is so widely recognized and supported.

For a £10 registration fee each competitor receives a Santa Suit prior to the run to decorate and adapt as they wish, on completion Santas receive a goodie bag which is theirs to take home. All participating Santas must raise a minimum of £20, which is split 50:50 with organising charity Newtown & District Dial a Ride & a charity of the Santas choice.

The four and a half mile run is mainly tarmac based and takes you through breathtaking views of the Mid Wales countryside. The morning starts in the Town Hall grounds with Santas warming up by taking part in Santa aerobics. This year local AM Mick Bates and MP Lembit Opik started the run."

Article written by Tammy Sinden of Newtown Dial a Ride