A SEA of Santas braved the freezing temperatures for their annual charity dash along the seafront.

Hundreds of runners in Father Christmas costumes gathered on the promenade by Hove Lawns on Saturday morning.

The sun shone but the mercury hovered around the 0C mark as the 650-strong crowd of Santa Clauses got on their way.

Runner Sarika Braithwaite, 43, was visiting friends in the area from the Isle of Wight.

She said: “We have so much fun taking part in the dash, I just wish it was warmer - I can’t feel my toes.”

The dash was preceded by a children’s 400 metre race, before adult runners took on the five kilometre route along the seafront to Hove Lagoon and back.

The runners left the starting line at 10.30am, taking with them a few prams with children and dogs.

This year’s event was the third time it has been in support of Brighton children’s charity Rockinghorse.

Hannah Seltzer, the charity’s challenge events fundraising manager, said: “This is our third year here and as ever we’re absolutely thrilled about the turnout.

“It’s a brilliant event, people get so creative with it, decorating their children’s prams and everything.

“Even the dogs are dressed up.

“It’s inclusive for all - you don’t have to do very much training for it which makes it so accessible.”

John Gladwin, of Startline Events, manages the event. He said: “We love the Santa Dash - every year it has such a great vibe.”

Junior and senior members of the Patcham Silver Band were in attendance to welcome the runners over the finish line.

Andy Dykes, 42, from Reading, was the first to complete the dash, coming in at around 19 minutes.

He took part in the Santa Dash with six members of his family, including his brother who lives in Hove and his 71-year-old mother.

He said: “I’m taking part in a six hour endurance race on Wednesday - this is just a warm up for me.”

Following him were runners with prams, some with dogs and some skipping with their friends across the finish line.

Every Santa received a bespoke medal at the end of the race.

l For more photos from the event turn to pages 30, 31, 32 and 33.