Marlow is gearing up for the festive season, which sees the return of one of the town’s biggest events – the Santa Fun Run.

For the twelfth year in a row, more than 2,500 Marlovians dressed as Santa will take on a 5k route through the town centre in aid of charity on December 4.

In a sea of red, the runners will stream through Higginson Park before heading up the High Street on a circuit which will take them back to the park for the finish line.

John Prout, from Marlow Thames Rotary – one of the event’s organisers – said the fun run epitomises community spirit in the town.

He said: “There are three reasons why people love the fun run so much – it’s that time of year when everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit and it’s a fun run for everyone - people can get dressed up, bring their dogs and their children and really enjoy themselves.  

“Seeing 2,500 people dressed as Santa coming up Marlow High Street is an amazing sight and it is not one that should be missed.

“We raise a lot of money every year and people just love being part of such a huge event. Aside from the regatta, it is definitely one of the biggest events in the town.”

The Rotary Clubs of Marlow have been working tirelessly to organise the annual festive event, with promises that it will be “bigger, better and even more fun than ever.”

Fun run organising chairman, David Sutherland, said: “Organising the Santa’s Fun Run involves a lot of hard work by the members of the Marlow, Marlow Thames and Marlow Bridge Rotary Clubs.

“We do everything from agreeing the 5km route with the Council, developing and managing the website to ordering and distributing the Santa suits. And well over 100 people volunteer to help us on the day to make sure everything goes safely and smoothly.”

The town’s most famous residents, Sir Steve Redgrave and Paralympian Naomi Riches, will also take time out of their busy schedules to join in the festivities again, with Naomi leading the pre-race warm up and Sir Steve starting the race.

Mr Prout said: “Sir Steve will sometimes run in the race, but we are not sure if he will be this year. But regardless, having him and Naomi there is such a huge boost for us.”

To enter the race and find out more, visit www.santasfunrun.org.