Some 80 people summoned the stamina to get out of bed early and burn off the excesses of Christmas Day with a four-kilometre run in aid of Inspire.

The runners dressed up in red or wore Santa hats and jingle bells as they strode up and down the Sliema promenade – from Fortizza to Spinola – spreading cheer and a message of solidarity to all.

Inspire, the foundation for inclusion, organises this fun run every year and primarily aims to create a bit of enjoyment during the holidays, all for a good cause.

This year, the runners were joined by cyclists and children on scooters. A donation of €5 or more was collected from each participant in aid of Inspire.

Inspire CEO Nathan Farrugia said everyone ran or jogged at their own pace – it was “nice and easy, chatting as we went along, telling stories of how we spent our Christmas.

“It was good to wake up and do some exercise and meet friends to run together after so much indulgence over the holidays; it’s a good excuse to do some exercise. Hopefully, many will carry on running as their resolution for next year,” he said.

Inspire is the official charity of the Malta marathon and half marathon 2012 and will be organising a number of preparatory activities for runners. If one of your resolutions this year is to get fit and take care of your well-being call 2189 0000 or send an e-mail to events@inspire.org.mt.