Dozens of Santas took part in a festive running event on Brean Down near Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (December 13th).

The athletes donned traditional red suits for the gruelling Santa Scramble where the runners raced up the steep slopes, then over the rocky terrain to the wartime fort and back.

The adults were able to choose either a 5km or 10km course while children were able to do a 1km run along the bottom of the Down or a 50m dash.

The multi-terrain adult run started from the foot of Brean Down next to the cafe and then ascended straight onto the steep hill to the top.

The course then directed the runners over the challenging hills with a gradual descent to the old fort where the turnaround point pointed them along the opposite side of the Down and back to the finish.

“We had a mass of Santas in red suits running, jogging and walking this amazing, iconic local National Trust landmark. It was great fun for everyone!” said one of the organisers.

Winner of the 5k in a time of 23mins 21secs was Neil Smith – 30 seconds ahead of runner-up Ross Wayne. Daisy Goldsmith was third in 27mins 02 secs.

Mark Burley, of Bristol and West AC, won the 10k race in 44mins 59 secs with Sean Leadbetter, of North Bristol Tri Club, second in 46mins 25secs. Third was Daryl Phillips, of Bristol and West AC, in 48mins 05 secs. Kate Whitfield was the first female finisher in 54mins 57secs in ninth position overall.

Stuart Anderson and Phil Strange, both of Burnham-on-Sea Harriers, were eighth and tenth respectively.

Results 5k: Overall – Neil Smith; Female U-20 – Daisy Goldsmith; Male U-20 – Felix Smith; Senior Female – Katie Paull; Senior Male – Ross Wayne; Veteran Female 40 – Claire Boom; Veteran Female 50 – Elizabeth Davis; Veteran Female 60 – Gillian Hopkins; Veteran Male 40 – Alan Wilcox; Veteran Male 50 – Neil Smith; Veteran Male 60 – David Paull.

Results 10k: Overall – Mark Burley; Female Under-20 – Abbie Barnes; Senior Female – Clowance Cotterill; Senior Male – Mark Burley; Veteran Female 40 – Kate Whitfield; Veteran Female 50 – Jayne Hewlett; Veteran Female 70 – Patricia Seabrook; Veteran Male 40 – Joe Wharton; Veteran Male 50 – Richard Hayden; Veteran Male 60 – Colin Lintern.

The route was marked out with eco friendly temporary spray paint arrows on the ground to ensure that Brean Down is preserved and not damaged in any way.

Joggers and walkers of all ages and abilities took part in the event

Burnham-On-Sea doctor Stuart Anderson was among the festive runners

Mild and dry weather gave perfect weather conditions for the event

Burnham-On-Sea runner Jane Lambert was also among the local competitors

Several of the competitors’ dogs came along for the run too!

Members of the Burnham Harriers team at the event (pic Daniel Anderson)

Burnham’s Gemini Tae Kwon Do team before setting out on the 10km run

 
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