HUNDREDS of runners made their way to Coate Water on Sunday morning for the third annual Reindeer Run in aid of Brighter Futures.

While it is true that not all reindeers have red noses, such was the freezing temperature as the participants lined up at the start line that most of them certainly did.

But even the weather couldn’t stop the people of Swindon from turning out to take part in record numbers – more than 700 runners were involved, smashing last year’s total of 500.

Sporting festive antlers on their heads, the many runners and walkers of all ages and sizes made their way around Coate Water and up to the Great Western Hospital along a 5km course.

Last year the event raised an impressive £21,000 for the appeal which aims to fund the introduction of a radiotherapy treatment centre in Swindon – this year organisers hope to smash that target too.

Not content with just wearing festive headgear, some of the runners went so far as to take part dressed head to foot in furry reindeer onesies.

One such participant, 27-year-old Abby Randall from Nythe, said: “We heard about it last year and we knew we had to get involved.

“If you’re going to do it you might as well go all the way so we decided to dress up in the reindeer suits.”

Abby was running with her younger brother as well as friends, including Sam Bird, 50, from Haydon Wick.

For Sam, the decision to take part in the run was a very personal one.

“My dad had to travel to Oxford for radiotherapy so I know how important this appeal is,” she said.

“He was in a lot of pain and some days had to go in an ambulance – having to travel just adds to how hard the whole thing is.

“Being able to have the treatment here in Swindon would make such a huge difference.”

The runners were cheered on as they departed from the start line by the Mayor of Swindon, Eric Shaw.

Brighter Futures is Coun Shaw’s main mayoral charity this year and he was thrilled with the huge turnout.

“It’s fantastic, I’m really pleased to see all these people here,” he said.

“My second event as mayor was the Race for Life at Lydiard and people came from all over the South West to take part – it’s wonderful to see that we can bring all these people out from Swindon for this event too.

“It’s my main charity this year and the momentum is really starting – we’re at about £1.25 million now.”

Early estimates suggest this year’s event has raised an staggering £28,000.