THOUSANDS are expected to descend on Marlow next month in festive fancy dress after Rotary organisers announced the annual favourite is a sell-out.

Registration for Marlow’s Santa Fun Run - which is celebrating its tenth year - has topped out at 2200 people and is set to be the biggest yet.

The quirky tradition, held this year on December 7, will again include Sir Steve Redgrave as he joins other suited Santas in a 5km dash through town.

Rotary organiser Lance Slater said: "We’re now fully listed but there is still an opportunity to come and see Marlow’s great pre-Christmas entertainment up and down the High Street.

"It’s another great indication of the tremendous support it receives from everyone, not just in Marlow but the surrounding area.

"We have a lot of repeat runners but also new ones and whole families running too." 

For many Marlovians, the sight of a sea of suited Santas signals the start of celebrations over the festive period.

It is believed to be one of the biggest events of its kind in the country.

Marlow Town Council has pledged a day of free parking on Sunday, November 7 to coincide with the race.

And this year, Marlow Paralympian champion Naomi Riches leads the pre-run warm up in Higginson Park, with proceedings starting at 8.50am.

For more information, visit www.santasfunrun.org