FESTIVE runners dressed up as Santa Claus will be making their way through Teddington's Bushy Park this weekend in a bid to raise money for a local hospice.

The jolly jogging Father Christmases are set to brave the cold on Saturday 5 and Saturday 12 December and will run, jog or walk a 5k course in the Royal Park.

They will each be raising at least £100 for The Princess Alice Hospice, a charity based in Esher which provides end-of-life care and support to families in Surrey and beyond.

The Hospice's Santa Fun Run has been an annual festive sight for 14 years but last year had to be virtual to ensure social distancing between sprinting Santas.

This year the charity are back with a 'hybrid' fundraiser including two Santa Fun Runs limited to 250 people per event at Bushy Park.

Those who can't make the park run can get involved any way they like - skiing or paddle-boarding while in a Santa suit, for example.

Dogs, buggies and wheelchairs are all welcome at the Bushy Park runs, and the event isn't timed, so Santas can go as slowly as they like!

The registration fee is £25 for 16 year olds and above, £10 for 5- 15 year olds, and FREE for under-5s.

Everyone who signs up gets a free Santa suit or if you're under-12 reindeer ears.

The Hospice are aiming to raise £69,500 this year from their Santa Fun Runs.

They currently have £5,198 towards their goal, so every sign-up and penny donated really counts.

Learn more about the event and how to take part HERE

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