Plenty of festive family fun at this year's Santa Fun Run in Melton Country Park
There was winter drizzle in the air but Sunday morning’s weather failed to dampen spirits at this year’s Melton Mowbray Santa Fun Run.
Hundreds of pounds was raised for worthy causes by the event, which was organised again by Melton Mowbray Rotary Club in Melton Country Park.
Adults, children and a few dogs were dressed as Father Christmas as ran or walked a choice of 5km or one-mile courses through the park.
There was a little pre-race stress before the event with a late closure on Scalford Road causing participants in cars to take diversions along Nottingham Road, Kipling Drive, Tennyson Way, Scalford Road to get to the start near the park’s visitor centre on Wymondham Way.
After changing into their Santa outfits, everyone gathered before the off for a warm-up conducted by a local fitness instructor following a welcoming speech by Mayor of Melton, Councillor Siggy Atherton
Alison Blythe, from Melton Rotary Club, told the Melton Times, afterwards: “We had 136 runners this year - slightly down on last year but in view of the weather and sudden road closure I think that was good.
"Approximately £1,000 was raised for local charities and others supported by Rotary.”
Some of the causes which will benefit from this year’s event include Pepper’s – A Safe Place, which support mental health and wellbeing in Melton and Oakham, local youth clubs and charities which help people with dementia and breast cancer.
The Rotary Club posted on their Facebook page afterwards: “Thank you to everyone who turned out for the Santa Fun Run 2025, what joy you bring despite the weather, well done!”