Cold red noses raced round Roberts Park yesterday as more than 250 runners galloped and panted in the third annual Epilepsy Action Reindeer Stampede.
The 5k charity run in sunny Saltaire raised funds to support the 600,000 people affected by epilepsy in the UK.
The panting ‘reindeer’ bedecked in antler headgear hoofed it round a twisting route with some entrants sporting full reindeer costumes on their way to medals and mincepies.
And one of those in full fancy dress even managed to come third in the race.
Paul Tranter, 47 trotted home with a time of 20 mins 38 secs and said it had been a great morning out.
“It’s a really good cause and I’m pleased with my time – and I didn’t even have Santa to drive me on,” said Paul, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds regional fundraising manager, who lives in Otley.
Runner Sally Ricketts, who had swapped lycra for a red and green elf outfit, was there to complete one of 50 challenges she has set herself before hitting the age of 50 in two years time.
“It was quite tough in places with a bit of mud, but great fun,” said Sally, of Gomersal, a mortgage manager with Yorkshire Building Society.
But the prize for fleetest hooves went to Baildon design engineer Steve Wadkins who won by much more than a nose in 18 mins 47 secs.
“I’m more into orienteering than running, but this was great and it’s just three minutes down the road,” said Steve, 43, who has previously taken part in non-stop 70 mile cross-country races.
He and wife Alex had just returned from a night-orienteering race in Beverley, East Yorkshire, where they’d run six miles with maps and torches.
Epilepsy sufferer Gemma Harris, of Leeds, raised £600 in sponsorship by running the course with antlers and a lipstick-red nose.
“Sometimes epilepsy can make you feel embarrassed and a burden to people,” said Gemma, 26, who has suffered two major strokes and eight minor ones. It’s quite a lonely thing and so something like this is good because you don’t feel like that at all, there are so many people giving their support.”
Some 30 children under the age of eight also took part in a one kilometre mini Reindeer Stampede.
Michael White, fundraising events officer at Epilepsy Action, said: “We’re delighted with the level of support we have received this year – it has been the most successful Reindeer Stampede yet. A massive thank you to all our reindeer runners as well as all the marshals and volunteers. So far the run has raised £4,000 and money is still coming in.”
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