Some 11,000 people filled the streets from San Anton to Valletta in the third - and biggest - President's Charity Fun Run in aid of l-istrina this morning.

The fun run left from San Anton Palace, with the joggers running behind President George Abela, who launched the event three years ago.

Many of the participants wore purple T-shirts handed out by Banif Bank, which sponsors the fun run and doubles the funds donated by the participants. The joggers were asked to contribute €10 each.

A number of bands played merry tunes along parts of the route as the sea of participants passed by on the 7km route. Confetti was thrown from balconies at the cheering participants in Hamrun.

Several hundred people who opted not to jog joined the event in a walk from Sta Venera. Among them were the President's wife, the Prime Minister and his wife and the Opposition leader and his wife.

Some of the walkers and joggers carried balloons or took their dogs along with them.

Father Christmas also joined in the fun!

Bank of Valletta said some 800 of its employees took part. BOV is supporting  l-istrina through the Piggy Bank Campaign, with over 5,000 piggy banks distributed in all schools in Malta and Gozo.

The fun run ended at the Palace Square in Valletta at 11.15 a.m.

Dr Abela said this was just a warm-up and the big event would be on December 26 when the all-day l-istina will be held. He thanked all the participants, joking that the Maltese had not only come first in the obesity tables, but also in fitness.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi presented a cheque for €10,000 for l-istrina. Dr Muscat  also handed another donation of €1,000 and thanked the President for his work.

l-istrina campaign continues next Sunday with Paqpaqli ghal-istrina, the popular car show at the airport.