SCORES of runners donning Father Christmas costumes dashed through the town centre.

Despite the wet weather, around 50 Santa put on their suits to complete three laps of a circuit around Barrow town centre.

The event, which was organised by the Rotary Club of Furness, raised money for St Mary's Hospice.

It made up a day of festive entertainment that delighted crowds near the Spirit of Barrow statue in Dalton Road.

Those who took part walked, jogged and ran their way around the £2.5km.

With many fairy lights, they lit up the town centre on a dark and dreary day.

But the weather failed to dampen the spirits of the runners and gathered crowds.

Rotary club president Martin McLeavy was delighted at how the event went.

He said: "It was a very good day

"Those who attended on the day really enjoyed it.

I'm actually surprised so many Santas turned up.

"Most of them did turn up.

"To get 50 was really good.

"We've have liked more but given the circumstances I'm very, very pleased.

"Let's wait for next year."

The first Santa Dash took place in 2019.

The pandemic forced last year's event to be held virtually.

Mr McLeavy paid tribute to the cause the event was held in aid of.

"St Mary's Hospice is cracking institute for the area.

"I hope we've raised plenty for them."

As well as the Santa Dash, crowds who turned up were treated to a day of music.

The stage was hosted by hip-hop artists JD & Swerve who entertained crows with their hip-hop stylings and banter.

A number of Furness musicians also entertained crowds throughout the day.

The stage was taken ahead of the Santa Dash with a rousing warm-up for runners.

Santa himself then made an appearance, addressing his lookalikes as they prepared to start the dash.

Singer Becki Fishwick kept spirits high during the Santa Dash, taking to the stage to lead a singalong of pop hits and festive classics.

The event was organised by Barrow's Business Improvement District, which promotes the town's traders and holds events through the year.