HUNDREDS of jolly jogging Santas stormed through Bicester today without a reindeer in sight.

The community rallied together under the guise of Father Christmas to don the bright red costumes and take on the town’s annual festive fun run.

Despite the icy temperatures, crowds of runners turned out at 11am for the 2018 Bicester Santa Fun Run and set off for the 5km event from Pingle Field.

The sea of Santas, all in red suits and white beards, then took to the streets through the town centre.

The seasonal sight dazzled on-lookers as the tide headed around Old Place Yard, through Market Square, Launton Road, round to Sheep Street, Queens Avenue and back to the finish line at Pingle Field.

Among those running was Rebecca Bowles from Ambrosden, who has taken on the Christmas challenge some five time previously.

She said: “I just love taking part and seeing all the people cheering on the way round.

“It is all for charity at the end of the day and they are local causes we should all help support.”

The event, hosted by Bicester Town Council, is held each year in support of the mayor’s charities.

This year’s Bicester town mayor Sean Gaul, who was also dressed up as Father Christmas for the occasion, chose to support children’s charity OYAP, the Rainbow Playgroup and cancer support charity Macmillan.

Ms Bowles added: “It is always very well-organised.

“Most people run because they enjoy running and it is good to see how many different people of different ages take part.

“Some people walk, some people will run and it is just a great way to get everyone active.”

Families and fundraisers joined together at the finish line as runners and even their four-legged friends passed through having completed the race.

Ebony Bone, 16, was among those who ran the red route with her two dogs Minnie and Tilly.

Among other runners were the spectacularly dressed Jog Squad, part of a Run Together scheme focused on couch-to-5km fitness.

Squad member Michaela Waddup said: “I have done the Santa run about four or five times now and it is always great fun.

“It is a real opportunity to round off the year of running and remember running can be fun.”

Runners were greeted at the finish line with a medal for their efforts.

They were then pointed in the direction of the free bacon sandwiches to help warm up and refuel.