THE second Santa Dash took place on Sunday and was hailed a huge success by joint organisers the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

They were delighted that even more people took part in the event this year than in 2011.

Almost 1,700 Santas took to the city centre streets to either run or walk the 4k route, with the first runner back being Ricky Challinor from the Doubletree by Hilton team who completed the course in just 13 minutes, 14 seconds.

“As well as serious runners the event attracted many families who wanted to support both charities,” said Amanda LeBretton, fundraising and marketing manager at the hospice.

Coronation Street star Ian Puleston Davies officially started the event at 9am with participants heading along Castle Drive and up Lower Bridge Street towards the cathedral.

Last year the event raised £48,000 which was shared between both charities and this year it hoped that this will increase to £55,000.

Anybody raising £50 or more in sponsorship and paying it in by January 31 will be entered in to a free draw to win a £750 worth of shopping dining and entertainment vouchers.

Proceeds will be used by the hospice to support Reflect, their child bereavement service, and the hospital is putting its proceeds towards the Babygrow Appeal which has a target of £3m to build a new Neonatal Unit.

Participants were entertained prior to the start by the Karamba Samba Band, Funky Monkey, Ian Gibbons DJ and PA announcer, Chester Giants and Dee 106.3.

“We are extremely grateful to M&S Bank for once again sponsoring our Santa Dash and to Henry Williams and Son (Roads) Ltd of Wrexham who provided the yellow flashing Santa hats for marshals around the route,” said Janet Ratcliffe, fundraising manager at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

“We are also indebted to Cheshire West and Chester Council and the University of Chester Riverside campus for all their support, and must acknowledge all the local companies who kindly donated items for our goody bags. The event could not have taken place without the army of volunteers from the hospice and the hospital and we thank each and every one of them for turning up so early and doing such a professional job.”

This year a new attraction was Santa’s grotto where children had the opportunity to visit Santa and his elves courtesy of students from the University of Chester Riverside campus.

Each child received a present which had generously been donated by local companies and staff from the hospital and hospice.

The rain almost held off but what little there was certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those taking part.