Santas' fun run a serious little earner

Competitors dressed as Santa run through the streets around Auckland's Viaduct Basin. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Santas in running shoes and sunnies - some with their beards dangling precariously from their chins - were out in force yesterday.

More than 750 people turned out at Auckland's Viaduct and in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch last night to raise money for Cure Kids. Just over $10,000 was raised for the children's charity, which funds research into life-threatening childhood illnesses.

Organiser Shaun Collins said: "It was a big range of people who [participated] - from adults to 5-year-old kids dressed as elves. Everybody was running for a good cause."

James Kuegler took first place in Auckland, crossing the finish line in 9 minutes 35 seconds - about 20 seconds ahead of last year's winner who was dressed as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Mr Collins said the aim for next year was to get at least 1000 people registering, as the Auckland City Council had promised to let the Santas run on Queen St if the target was met.