More than 1,000 Santas were released from a fun run start line by YouTube sensation Colin Furze and his flaming Christmas trees.
The madcap inventor was raised up in the bucket of a JCB for the stunt at the Stamford Santa Fun Run held in Burghley Park on Sunday (December 15).
And as five metre high flames shot out of two spruces sitting beside him, the heat could be felt by the crowds as they set off around a choice of courses laid out around the park, the longest of which went up to Burghley House.
The event - the 16th of its kind in Stamford - has raised thousands of pounds for two main beneficiaries this year: Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, which cares for people from across the area, and the mental wellbeing charity MindSpace Stamford.
The Rotary Club of Stamford Burghley will also receive a donation to share between smaller local causes.
Nick Wells from Stamford Striders organises the event with a team of fellow volunteers from the running club. He said: “Having had to postpone the fun run by a week because of Storm Darragh, we’re delighted so many Santas were able to make it, and those who couldn’t were generally happy to donate their entry fees as a gift to the charities this Christmas.
“We know it means a huge amount to Sue Ryder and MindSpace.”
Money is still coming in and looks likely to be in line with recent years’ events, which have resulted in more than £20,000 being donated. An official handover to the charities will take place in January.
Colin Furze arrives with his stunt equipment. Photo: Delia CalderYouTuber Colin Furze and event compere Nick Harding on stageRaffle elves Sarah Blackmore and Zoe WadeCarys Vaughn and Rafferty Owens, 7Emma, Ella and Lily MartinWitham Hall School pupils and staffMichelle and James Parks with Ellie, 4, and Ivy, 7Natalie Colman and Tilly the dogMark and Gemma Cochran with Connor, 6, and Oakley the dogFern Roberts, 4, and big sister Amber, 7Jamie Scott with Rosie, 3, Carly, Rhys, Terry, Finley, Holly and Wilfred LaneSantas enjoying the pre-run warm upTwo young runners having funYouTube star Colin Furze sent flames shooting into the air aboard his JCBBefore and after the run there was a chance to learn more about the sponsors and beneficiaries of the eventSantas pour out into Burghley ParkColin with his flaming trees. Photo: Delia CalderA fireball shoots from Colin's tree. Photo: Delia CalderPaul Brewster leading the warm upColin Furze gave all the runners a blast with his flame throwersYouTube star Colin Furze sent flames shooting into the air aboard his JCBAn unusual mode of transport for Santa was in the car parkPC Howard was one of the sponsors, providing a mobile stage for the warm up and the raffleFlames fire out of Colin's Christmas treesColin Furze tells the Santas what he's up toWarm-up maestro Paul Brewster danced on stage in front of more than 1,000 SantasStamford Santa Fun Run puts a smile on people's facesSantas pass through the start arch next to Colin Furze's flame throwersThe event is organised by Stamford Striders Running ClubEven little legs took on the longest of the routesA crowd of Santas head through the parkThe longest of the three routes featured Burghley HouseBurghley provided a stunning backdrop for the runSantas in front of Burghley HouseIt's a chance for people to take some healthy exerciseNothing says 'Christmas' like Stamford Santa Fun RunSanta outfits are paid for by sponsors, so that more of the entry money goes to charityThe event raises more than £20,000 for local charitiesA sea of Santas moved around Burghley ParkKeen dogs could be seen around the courseMany families take partThe course was pushchair friendlyGood dogs on leads were welcomePeople enjoyed watching Colin Furze start the race in his usual wacky waySantas queue for a comfort breakThere was a lot of jovial spirit in the airPeople ran, jogged and walked a choice of three distancesSponsors of the event had gazebos, alongside the beneficiariesLittle legs were as good as long onesThe crowds were hugeThat's one way to see what's going onGetting into the spirit of it
