More than 13,000 people and some pets took part in the President’s fundraising Fun Run, breaking turnout records for the previous three years.

The event links the two presidential palaces, with the seven-kilometre long jog starting from San Anton Palace and ending at the President’s Palace in St George’s Square, Valletta.

Sponsored by Banif Bank, the run was led by President George Abela, who was accompanied by Nationalist and Labour MPs along with thousands of people.

The main streets of Ħamrun and Valletta turned into a sea of purple – the colour of the officially sponsored T-shirts – as thousands came together in groups representing schools, band clubs, companies and associations.

Those who were not up for a run walked from Casa Leoni in Santa Venera to Valletta, behind Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat.

Many decided to give the walk a different twist and wore funny headgear or costumes. The Christmas spirit could also be felt with the presence of Father Christmas and the the Three Wise Men.

The weather could not have been better with bright skies and a fresh breeze.

Confetti was thrown on the participants in Ħamrun and, on their arrival at St George’s Square, the crowd was greeted with the sounds of bands and sirens.

After the run, Dr Abela thanked all the participants and described the event as a feast of national unity and generosity. Each participant paid €10 and the amount will be doubled by Banif Bank.

Dr Gonzi and Dr Muscat also made donations.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Malta Amateur Athletics Association and the Health Ministry.

It is a fundraiser for the Malta Community Chest Fund and will be followed by Paqpaqli għall-Istrina on Sunday at the airport – when F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is expected to take part – and L-Istrina on Boxing Day.