RAIN did not dampen festive spirits at the annual Boxing Day Run across Hindhead Common in aid of Haslemere’s Holy Cross Hospital.

Nearly 500 runners turned out for the fun run with a difference – offering not just a 3.5-mile cross country route, but also a drinking race with competitors downing a pint of ale at mile two.

All profits will go to Holy Cross Hospital, a specialist centre for patients with complex neurological disabilities.

Race organiser Matt Dellar said: “For some of our runners, a pint of beer is the last thing they need on Boxing Day morning. For others, it’s the best so we like to give them a choice. As ever, the winning times for all categories were extremely impressive. ”

Holy Cross chief executive Dr Ross White said: “Matt has once again done an amazing job. I’m very grateful to sponsors, Wilson’s Electrical Distributors, ShowHire radio hire, the Sports Locker and the Hog’s Back Brewery.”

Daniel Titcomb was the first across the line with a time of 22min 31secs and the fastest woman was Sarah Hill in 25.54 – both took part in the drinking race. The fastest male and female in the non-drinking race were Paul Lowe and Gabi Hitchcock with times of 22.36 and 28.08 respectively. The full results can be seen at www.boxingdayrun.org