Fitness fanatics prepare for Great Scottish Santa Run

A group of fundraising Santas braved the freezing temperatures earlier this week in preparation for the Great Scottish Santa Run.

The festive fitness fanatics were put through their paces by Mark Cooper, the man who ran 50 marathons in 56 days, to ensure they are in top shape for the run which takes place on Sunday 12 December in West Princes St Gardens.

Mark will be leading the run on Sunday and organisers are challenging the city's Santas to defy the snow in the name of charity, as they look to beat last year's figure of 1500 participants. All money raised will be donated to the charity, When You Wish Upon a Star, which specialises in making dreams come true for children with life threatening illnesses.

Santas of all ages can run, walk, hop, skip or jump around the 1.5km route in West Princes Street Gardens at 11am, with registration open from 9am at the Ross Bandstand.

The City of Edinburgh Council's Lord Provost, The Rt. Hon. George Grubb said: "The Great Scottish Santa Run is one of the highlights of the Edinburgh's Christmas programme and it's always great to see people getting involved in the name of charity. There's always a fantastic atmosphere during the run, with friends and families coming together and enjoying themselves for a worthy cause."

To register for the event and join in the festive fun, budding Santas should visit thesantarun.org.uk. Adults are asked to donate £10 and £5 for children with each participant being given a Santa suit (adult) or Christmas hat (child) on arrival at West Princes Street Gardens. Each runner will also receive a medal on completion of the run.