Marlow is once again 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 14th 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 2 by the Rotary Clubs of Marlow, which organise the run.

This year’s event will take on an eco-friendly theme, with the Rotary clubs no longer supplying plastic water bottles and plastic bags, and replacing plastic cups with non-plastic versions.

Marlow Thames Rotary president Dermot Kelly said: “This iconic event attracts enormous interest, and Rotarians believe that we owe it to all in Marlow to help protect the environment. 

“This year will mark the first steps, and in future years we will see what else we can do to improve reduce our reliance on plastic generally.”

Scooters have been banned on health and safety grounds but pushchairs and dogs on leads will still be allowed.

The two lead charities for this year have been named as the Marlow Opportunity Playgroup and Rennie Grove Hospice Care.

The Marlow Jam Theatre Company will entertain crowds as they cheer on the Santas.

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 5 km 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.”

Entries are now open. Visit www.santasfunrun.org.