A FLYING Elf, Father Christmas, the town mayor, a host of tiny Santas, and countless festively-clad runners and walkers took to the streets of Alton on Sunday for the inaugural Santa Run and Stroll, which raised more than £1,500 for HomeStart Wey-Water.

Organised by Ann Foulkes and her team as a way of raising the profile and funds for the charity, the event saw the town centre closed for the duration, to enable a field of 35 competitors, aged 15 years and over, to run three times round the route, from the Market Square, down Cross and Pillory Lane, up the High Street to the top of Crown Hill, around the gardens at the top, down the hill and up Market Street to the Square, covering a distance of three kilometres.

First past the post was the Flying Elf (Adam Stonehill) in nine minutes 57 seconds, closely followed by Lewis Jones Ayres in 9.58. Third, and first lady home, was Lucy Neish in 10.34, with Tiziano Tesolin coming in fourth in 10.35.

Prior to the race, members of Results Gym led the competitors in a warm-up, encouraged by compere Jerry Janes, who did the same for the walkers before they set off for the sponsored stroll, taking in one loop of the one-kilometre route in sedate fashion.

The line-up for the second race included lots of families, who were joined for the occasion by Alton mayor Pam Jones, who was responsible also for starting the races and for the prize giving, and Alton town crier Stan Whitcher, artfully disguised in a Santa suit fitting of the occasion.

The event generated a great deal of fun and jollity, with everyone dressing in festive gear, even the dogs!

Ann Foulkes said that she was delighted with the result and hoped the event would be the first of many, adding: “There was a really lovely atmosphere. There will definitely be another Santa Run and Stroll next year.”

HomeStart offers early intervention to help prevent family crises and breakdown.

Mrs Foulkes has expressed grateful thanks to all those who supported and helped to organise the event, including the Alton Running Club for organising the technical aspects of the run, including the route; Alton Lions for marshalling; Alton Town Council for allowing the use of the Market Square and helping with the road closures; Alton mayor Pam Jones; compere Jerry Janes; Results Gym for the warm-up sessions; and the Alton Herald and Waterstone’s bookshop for promoting and acting as a registration centre for the event; plus all the businesses which contributed to a successful tombola and all those who turned out to enjoy the fresh air and exercise.