FORRES HARRIERS brought home the medals from the annual WildHearts Santa Run, which was held in Inverness.

The event saw a group of 250 festive fun runners taking to the streets of the Highland capital to raise cash for the charity.

Participants from across Moray, the Highlands and beyond tackled the 5km run along the River Ness, festively attired in Santa suits.

Adding a touch of Christmas magic, the snow began to fall as the fun kicked off with an aerobics session, led by Rory the Reindeer, to get the assembled Santas warmed up.

First to complete the lap of honour around Queens Park athletics track and cross the finish line was Gordon Lennox, of Forres Harriers.

He completed the run in 15 minutes, achieving a hat-trick of Santa Run victories. Following swiftly on his heels was fastest female, Sian Wilson of Inverness, coming in at the 21 minute mark.

Many children also took part in the event, as 'Wee Santas', decked out in special Santa t-shirts and hats. Finbar Doig of Beauly and Ailsa Todd of Avoch were fastest boy and girl, finishing in 20 and 25 minutes respectively.

Moray was well represented at the event, with families from Forres, Kinloss, Lossiemouth and Elgin all taking part. Other Santas included participants from as far a field as Wick, Elgin, Aviemore, Aberdeen, the Isle of Mull and Glasgow.

Cash raised went to the Forres-based WildHearts charity, which provides microloans and business training to help people in the developing world work their way out of poverty, giving them a hand-up and not a handout.

Previous Santa runs have played a vital role in WildHearts growth, culminating in the charity opening projects in 14 new countries this year across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

WildHearts founder Mick Jackson was delighted by the response to the event, which has helped the charity to achieve so much.

He said: "The Inverness Santa Run has been instrumental in helping WildHearts transform lives across the globe.

"Our Santas have helped us to fight poverty in fifteen different countries on four continents."

For more information visit www.wildheartsinaction.org

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