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

In its 13th year, the event, which will see 2,500 Marlovians dressed as Santa take on a 5k route through the town centre to raise money for charity, has been announced for December 3 by the Rotary Clubs of Marlow, which organise the run.

Olympic gold medallists Sir Steve Redgrave and Naomi Riches are expected to set the scene as, in a sea of red, runners start and finish at Higginson Park.

This year’s lead charities have also been announced – Bucks-based Scannappeal and The Compassionate Friends, which provides support to parents after the death of a child.

The Rotary Santa Fun Run committee 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.”

To enter the race or find out more, go to www.santasfunrun.org.