HUNDREDS of runners across the city donned their festive outfits to take part in an annual charity run this morning.

Father Christmas swapped his reindeer for a pair of running shoes as hundreds of people took part in the annual Santa Dash.

Runners faced perfect conditions as they lined up at the starting line on Hove seafront for the first time since the event was held virtually last year.

Organised by Commonwealth silver medallist runner, John Gladwin, the dash raises thousands for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity every year.

Among the excited runners were father and daughter duo Seth and Elsa Kriebel, who ran the 5k for the first time together after picking up running during lockdown.

The Argus: Seth and Elsa KriebelSeth and Elsa Kriebel

Mr Kriebel told The Argus: "I did it ten years ago and now I am doing it with my daughter.

"It is fantastic - there are a lot more people here now. It is great to see that it has grown.

"My daughter started running during lockdown, so this is her first official 5K."

Several travelled from outside the city to take part in the run, including Sally Chiu who travelled from Crawley after hearing the event was taking place during the week.

The Argus: Sally Chiu and Ryan Sally Chiu and Ryan

She said: "It is my first time, we are from Crawley.

"Someone mentioned it at work and I thought 'oh yeah, fun day out'.

"It is lovely, the people make it more exciting."

Last year’s event, which saw over 50 people taking part in 5k runs around their local areas, managed to raise over £3,000 and it is hoped that with the runners returning to the seafront this year, the fundraising will be even more successful.

Among the runners taking part this year were a team from the psychology support team at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.

They provide psychological support to children up to the age of 19, diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and a range of other conditions.

The team help them adjust to their initial diagnosis, providing them with support throughout their medical treatment.

They decided to run to support Rockinghorse after the charity funded a range of services for young people, including forest schools, yoga and art therapy, sensory equipment and self-help books for the families they support.

One of the team, Terri Prior, an assistant psychologist for paediatric oncology and diabetes said: “The run is our chance to show how grateful we are and give back to Rockinghorse, as we see first-hand the impact of these generous donations and hard work on children, young people and their families.

"We aim to raise money to continue to fund services like this into the future.”

Lucy Pond, the challenge events manager at Rockinghorse added: “I’m delighted that we can be back together in person for this popular event. T

"The support last year was wonderful, despite taking place virtually, but this year we’re really looking forward to seeing all the Santas dash along the seafront together.

“It’s a fun way for people to get involved in festive fundraising and raise awareness of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity."