FARNHAM Runners joined hundreds of others burning off the Christmas calories in the annual Boxing Day run in aid of Haslemere’s Holy Cross Hospital.

The run began at the Devil’s Punchbowl Hotel and took participants across the beautiful Hindhead Common, Gibbet Hill and the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

The run is organised every year by Matt Dellar to raise money for Holy Cross – a hospital providing specialist care to people with complex needs often caused by profound brain injury or serious neurological conditions.

Holy Cross chief executive Christopher Hinton took part in the race and said: “The 2016 Boxing Day run was in many ways the best ever. Almost all the places had been sold before the day and there were more than 600 runners at the start.”

There was also a drinking race over the same 3.5-mile route where runners were served a pint of winter ale at mile two.

Matt Dellar said: “More people than ever before took part in this year’s race.

The weather was perfect and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves. There were several in costume dressed as Father Christmas and one as a snowman.

The organiser added: “Many children took part and there were crowds of well-wishers at the finish to cheer the runners home.

“I think the runners and their supporters appreciate getting out in the fresh air after Christmas Day to raise money for such a great cause.”