THE second Santa Dash took place on Sunday and was hailed a huge success.
Joint organisers the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd were delighted that even more people took part this year than in 2011.
Almost 1,700 Santas took to the city centre streets to 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 13 minutes and 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 Lower Bridge Street toward 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 into a free draw to win £750 worth of shopping, dining and entertainment vouchers.
Proceeds will be used by the hospice to support Reflect, a child bereavement service, and the hospital is putting its proceeds toward 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, DJ Ian Gibbons, Chester Giants and Dee 106.3.
