The streets of Uppermill were flooded with a record 1,800 people dressed as Santa yesterday (December 2) as Saddleworth got into the Christmas spirit for charity.
The annual Santa Dash, which is organised by the Saddleworth Round Table, is one of the most anticipated events in the area during the festive calendar and this year saw the event continue to grow.
The dash itself, which featured all ages and abilities, including children and pets, was either a 2km or 5km route through Uppermill village to raise funds for charities and local causes.
Despite the cold weather and slippery conditions after a few days of low temperatures, nothing was stopping those taking part
Before and after the race, food market stalls from local vendors and Christmas crafts were on offer at the rendezvous point near St George V Playing Fields.
Meanwhile, DJ Elliot Eastwick, who has provided the entertainment every year for the Santa Dash show, dropped some Christmas tunes for the Santas to 'limber up' to ahead of the race and brought prize winners, carol singers and dancers to the stage throughout the day.
After all the Santas completed the race, Father Christmas himself made an appearance in his sleigh with helpers through the streets of Uppermill as snow fell.
John Arthurs, former chairman of the Saddleworth Round Table and one of the main organisers, said: "It's nice to see so many people all out for a good cause and all the money goes back into communities.
"The bigger numbers we have the more money we can put back into local areas so it's good."
John said he and some of the organisers were out setting up until 10pm the night before and were down at St George V Playing Fields at 7.30am to continue getting everything ready for the dash.
As the event continues to grow, John said the Round Table may have to consider putting a cap on how many people can enter the race.
He said: "We had 1,800, if we upped it to 2,000, I think we might have to limit it at some point.
"It's nice when we sell out, we sold out three weeks ago, and people were still wanting to do it, so hopefully they'll get in early next year."
This year, adults paid £17.50 and children £6 to join in on the fun with each ticket providing either a full Santa suit or hat, plus running numbers and a medal at the end.
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