MORE than 300 people braved the wind and rain to take part in the tenth annual Epilepsy Action Reindeer Stampede.

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

The event took the herd of ‘reindeer’ runners around a circular 5k route in Lister Park, Bradford. Many donned antlers and fancy dress to herald the festive season.

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. It affects around 600,000 people in the UK. This means that almost 1 in 100 people in the UK have epilepsy. Around 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy in the UK every day.

Epilepsy Action is a charity that aims to improves the lives of everyone affected by the disorder. It gives advice, improves healthcare, funds research and campaigns for change.

The charity has a helpline and runs support groups and awareness-raising campaigns.

It also campaigns for positive change in government policy and carries out and supports research. It helps to keep professionals up-to-date with the latest developments in epilepsy care, treatment and research.