[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGBvRVNN0eA]
By Rory Reynolds
A BRITISH Military Fitness instructor made mincemeat of a bearded bunch of Santas yesterday.
Corporal James McKay introduced the red-suited recruits to gruelling press-ups, star jumps and sprinting, ahead of the Great Scottish Santa Run next week.
Only ‘no no no’s’ could be heard as the screaming drill instructor put the soggy Santas through their paces in the pouring rain.
The run through Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens on Sunday hopes to pull in more entrants than the current record of more than 2,000 Santas.
Duncan Fisher, who has been training for the event, said: “We thought we’d get in some military fitness in preparation for the run next week.
“But it was intense, there were lots and lots of press-ups and he got the cardio going, which is good for the lungs I guess.
Puffed out
“The drill instructor was exceptionally tough, he didn’t let us rest.
“We’ve been practising our ho ho ho’s for the run, but we were all puffed out after that.
“It’s gonna be some sight, there’ll just be a flurry of red and white everywhere, and everyone will be in a good festive mood.”
Lord Provost George Grubb said: “The Great Scottish Santa Run is one of the highlights of Edinburgh’s Christmas and it’s brilliant to see so many people getting involved and showing their support for these worthy causes.
“There’s always a fantastic atmosphere during the run and there’s nothing better than friends and families enjoying themselves in the name of charity.”
The run is expected to raise tens of thousands for Radio Forth’s Cash For Kids appeal, and for children’s charity When You Wish Upon a Star.
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