HUNDREDS of people dressed as Santa ran through the streets of Hereford at the weekend.

The event, organised by St Michael's Hospice, took place in the city centre, starting at Maylord Shopping Centre.

The 300 participants chose either a circular 2.5km or 5km route.

"The St Michael’s Hospice Santa Run is such a fun event, popular with all ages and abilities,” said Natasha Walshe, events and community fundraiser at St Michael’s Hospice.

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“It was great to see the event sell out in advance, and it was wonderful to see so many people cheering them on along the routes.

“It’s quite a sight to see 300 Santas and we hope it brought some festive joy to those taking part, and those who caught sight of them in town.”

It is expected that around £8,000 will be raised for the Bartestree-based charity, which provides palliative and end-of-life care to people in Herefordshire and its borders, plus support for their loved ones.

Below are 11 pictures from the event

Hereford Times: Santas of all ages start the run down Gomond StreetSantas of all ages start the run down Gomond Street (Image: St Michael's Hospice)

Hereford Times: Rebecca White, from the Starlight Company, entertains the crowdRebecca White, from the Starlight Company, entertains the crowd (Image: St Michael's Hospice)

Hereford Times: These Santas are having funThese Santas are having fun (Image: St Michael's Hospice)

Hereford Times: These people pose in front of the Christmas tree at Maylord Shopping CentreThese people pose in front of the Christmas tree at Maylord Shopping Centre (Image: St Michael's Hospice)

Hereford Times: St Michael's Hospice Santa Run, HerefordSt Michael's Hospice Santa Run, Hereford (Image: St Michael's Hospice)

Hereford Times: These people are enjoying the eventThese people are enjoying the event (Image: St Michael's Hospice)

Hereford Times: This person was in the festive moodThis person was in the festive mood (Image: St Michael's Hospice)

Hereford Times: Little santas added to the funLittle santas added to the fun (Image: St Michael's Hospice)

Hereford Times: St Michael's Hospice Santa Run, HerefordSt Michael's Hospice Santa Run, Hereford (Image: St Michael's Hospice)

Hereford Times: St Michael's Hospice Santa Run, HerefordSt Michael's Hospice Santa Run, Hereford (Image: St Michael's Hospic)

Hereford Times: Just three of the 300 people who took part in the eventJust three of the 300 people who took part in the event (Image: St Michael's Hospice)