Thousands of jolly joggers embarked on a fun run on Sunday as the Santa Dash returned in full force for the first time in three years.

The family-friendly event, which started and finished at Glasgow Green, was open to runners of all ages and abilities.

Almost 4000 participants put on their Santa suits and braved the cold winter morning for the 5km dash to raise money for the Beatson Cancer Charity and the Lord Provost’s Children’s Fund.

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One brave runner, Cole Park, completed the run in his wheelchair pushed by 30 supporters including his Mum, Michelle.

The 6-year-old was a guest of honour at the event and is currently being treated for an aggressive brain tumour at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

Cole was raising money for the Beatson Cancer Charity with his family and friends and even managed to walk over the finish line.

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Glasgow Times reporter, Stewart Paterson, took part in the run.

He said: "I joined the thousands of Santas for the Beatson Santa Dash this year.

"It was a great, fun event from start to finish.

"There were Santas of all ages enjoying the run despite the freezing temperature, but then, Santa is used to it, coming from Lapland.

"Everyone taking part made it a fun morning running the 5km in and around Glasgow Green.

"Many had children, some had dogs with them and well done to the group of women who ran round the course singing Christmas songs all the way.

"Hopefully, the event raised a good amount for the Beatson, which does brilliant work in Glasgow.

"Even though I've done many runs in Glasgow this was my first time doing the Santa dash. It certainly won't be my last. Ho-ho-ho!"

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Also taking part in the run were young dancers from the Future Stars Comp Squad and their teachers Kellyann Butler Young and Catherine Butler.

The girls donned their Santa suits and completed the route to raise money for two causes, the Beatson Cancer Charity and to raise funds to take part in the freestyle Ibiza 2023 dance championships. 

Some members of the dance squad have friends and family members who are suffering from cancer, and the Beatson has become a big part of their lives.

A spokesperson from the Future Stars said: "We would like to thank everyone who has sponsored us, our dancers and parents taking part in this year’s Santa Dash for an amazing charity and for our dancers getting the opportunity to travel to their first ever dance festival in the sun.

"The girls are all very competitive in their dance and cannot wait to take part.

"One of our under-10 dancers Sara Hunter ended her final competition with a fractured knee but there was no stopping her from taking part today."

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Martin Cawley, Beatson Cancer Charity boss, praised the Glasgow participants for their ‘generosity’ and was ‘delighted’ by the return of the event.

He said: “The Santa dash is such a wonderful event and takes place at a very special time of the year for us all.

“We are delighted to work alongside our colleagues in Glasgow City Council to bring the event back after a couple of years of relying on virtual support.

“It is great to see so many families get involved. It shows the level of generosity of the people of Glasgow. “The proceeds from this year’s Santa Dash will help Beatson Cancer Charity continue to deliver invaluable support to people with cancer in Glasgow and across the west.

“Quite simply, we couldn’t do the work we do without the support of so many others.”