A SEA of red runners gushed over the Runcorn Widnes bridge yesterday as more than 700 volunteers joined this year’s Santa Dash.

The festive event is set to raise more than £20,000 for Halton Haven Hospice.

They set off from Spike Island in Widnes at 9am, after a fun warm up with Pure Gym.

Each Santa received a medal and a mince pie after crossing the finishing line from the Mayor of Halton, Cllr Shaun Osborne.

Ciaran Clotworthy, hospice events manager, said “This year’s event looks set to raise over £20,000 which will help fund hospice care services both in our inpatient, day hospice and our new men’s shed.

“Well done to all of our Santas. You really did paint the town red. We really appreciate the huge turnout.”

The hospice wishes to thank all their volunteers and sponsors Kawneer Halton Housing Trust, The Brindley, Cheshire Inflatable Stage Hire, Catch 22, Nandos and Anthony’s travel for providing a free shuttle bus.

Runners are asked to collect their sponsorship money by the end of January.