HUNDREDS of costume clad Santas braved the snow and cold weather for a charity fun run.

More than 600 participants ran a five or three kilometre route around Colchester Castle Park to raise money for the cancer centre campaign yesterday.

Every participant received a medal, water, chocolate and a banana after the 10am start.

Organiser Caroline Bates said: “The Santa Run itself was fantastic, we couldn’t have asked for more Christmas themed weather.

“A huge thank you for the Santas who braved the snow to participate and a huge congratulations to all the runners.

“We asked out volunteers to raise £25 and teams of ten or more to raise £250, and what a fantastic cause this is.

“All the money raised will go to the cancer centre campaign, and will benefit people being treated for cancer at Colchester General Hospital.”