A HOST of Father Christmases, elves and fairies warmed up for the holiday weekend by running the Curley’s Santa Dash.

Gareth Doherty was Burnden’s leading man, finishing sixth overall and first M40 in a terrific time of 32mins 28secs for the four-mile course.

He finished just ahead of Marcus Taylor, seventh overall and second M45, in 32:58 and Laurence Keighley, eighth overall and third M45, in 33:29.

Leading lady was again Paula Pilling, who crossed the line 14th overall, third female finisher and second F40 in 36:59.

Other notable category successes were achieved by Ged Turner, who finished 17th overall and third M55 with a time of 37:48, Lucille Corrigan, 25th overall and second F45, in 40:10 and Louise Bentley who was second F50 in 51:45.

Other Burnden results: Richard Blake (40:30), Lorraine Halwood (41:56), Linda O’Byrne (49:37), Emma Walker (49:38), Diane Morrison (1:30:10).

Marcus Taylor had warmed up for the Santa Dash 24 hours earlier by tackling the 38-mile Tour of Helvellyn Ultra Trail race – an arduous yet scenic endurance test of stamina, navigation skills and mental strength.

He completed the course in a terrific 7:46:49.

Also taking part were Isaline and Martyn Pollitt. Isaline completed the race in 9:05:46 with Martyn alongside her in 9:05:47.

Lesley Fisher was first L55 and ninth female finisher in the Hurst Green Turkey Trot, completing the five-mile trail course in 40:08.