FESTIVE spirit filled Bradford’s Lister Park today as more than 300 runners braved the wind and rain to take part in the tenth annual Epilepsy Action Reindeer Stampede.

The 5k fun run raises funds for Leeds-based national charity Epilepsy Action. There are over 51,000 people living with epilepsy in Yorkshire.

The event took the herd of ‘reindeer’ runners around a circular 5k route in the park.

Many donned antlers and fancy dress to herald for the occasion.

Toddlers and children under eight took part in a mini Reindeer Stampede of 400 metres.

The winner of the main run was Danny Thompson, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, who runs with Leeds Bradford Triathlon Club.

Andrew Szymanski from Saltaire finished a close second, with Dave Woodhead from Leeds taking third place. The first women to cross the finish line were Ann-Marie Bulcock from Skipton Athletics Club and Claire Strover from Horsforth.

Carl Foster, run director at Epilepsy Action, said: “It was fantastic to have so many runners at Lister Park, coming together on a windy, wet morning to support this event.

"Over the last ten years the Reindeer Stampede has raised over £40,000. This brilliant total enables Epilepsy Action to keep improving the lives of people affected by epilepsy, not only in Yorkshire but also all over the UK.

“Thank you to all our reindeer runners, big and small, as well as all the marshals and volunteers. Thanks also go to the Hall Royd Band and Shared Harmonies choir who created a festive atmosphere with their tunes.”

Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition that anyone can develop, at any time in their life. Every day, 87 people in the UK are newly diagnosed with the condition.

Epilepsy Action is the UK’s leading epilepsy organisation which exists to improve the lives of everyone affected by epilepsy.