HEADS turned in Swindon on Saturday as a stream of runners dashed through the streets in fancy dress.

Running enthusiasts braved the freezing temperatures to don snazzy wigs, garish stockings and, for some of the chaps, fake breasts, in the fun run organised to raise cash for homeless charity Threshold.

The event was all part of 45-year-old Alan Butler’s Runvember campaign, launched at the start of the month, in which participants complete a run, of any distance, every day throughout November.

And at the weekend volunteers met at the Sun Inn at Coate to run for Runvember.

Alan, who lives in Royal Wootton Bassett, said: “It was a really good turn out on Saturday. The whole Runvember campaign has been really well received and it was great seeing so many people come to support the cause.

“Almost 300 people have taken part so far and everyone really seems to be enjoying it.

“I’m really appreciative of all the support. It’s all about getting out there and doing something for Threshold.”

Steve Goulding, of running group Swindon Shin Splints, who took part in Saturday’s event, said: “The day went really well. It seemed to attract plenty of people from different running groups and it was great to see so many in fancy dress. The popularity of Alan’s challenge has really spread out.

“We ran our normal Saturday route, starting at the Sun Inn, as always. Usually people splinter off in different directions. But we regrouped in Old Town and did a couple of laps around Wood Street to show a bit of presence. It’s no good just running around the park if we want to get the message out there.”

Billed as ‘30 runs in 30 days for Swindon’s homeless’, the event requires runners – or ‘Runvembrians’, as they are comically known – to pledge the minimum distance they will run each day, be it one mile or 50.

Participants will then be given an official Runvember stamped box which they must fill with essentials such as tinned food, clothing, a sleeping bag and soap.

Alan was first motivated to raise funds for Threshold after he was struck by the plight of the homeless.

He previously told the Adver: “Seeing homeless people sitting there on the streets every morning is a terrible sight, it simply should not be happening.

“It’s freezing cold in November and they are out there sleeping on the streets, I just don’t get it. In this day and age people shouldn’t have to sleep in shop doorways.”