1200 Santas invaded Scotland’s capital this morning, Sunday 9th December, as the great Edinburgh Santa run returned to West Princes St Gardens.

The annual event saw people of all ages dress up as Santa to run, walk and toddle their way around the 1.5 km circuit. The festival fundraisers were also treated to a warm up session before their run, featuring the Edinburgh’s Got Talent finalists, De Ramos Arco Elves, Claudio Kron with his Christmas Samba band and special Christmas Zumba lesson from Donna Griffin, UK Zumba fitness presenter and educational specialist.

Now a central fixture of the Edinburgh Christmas programme, the Santa Run raises funds for the children’s charity, When You Wish Upon A Star. The Money from this year’s appeal will be used to send children with life threatening illnesses, from all over Scotland, to Lapland

Nickie Gott, manager director of event producer She’s Gott It!, commented on the run: “every year, the sight of hundreds of Santa’s running through West Princes St Gardens really takes my breath away. The Great Edinburgh Santa Run is a fantastic event and it’s amazing to see so many ‘Santas’ pulling on their trainers in name of such great charity.

Commending the runners and organisers, Margaret Rowarth, Scottish appeals manager for When You Wish Upon A Star, said: “I’m always astounded by the number of people that come out on a cold Sunday morning in December to support our cause. We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support we receive and all the money raised will go towards taking brave children to Lapland. I would like to thank the City of Edinburgh for their efforts in organising another successful Santa Run.”