The 16th annual Santa Fun Run in Marlow will be done virtually, and anyone across the globe can take part.

Taking place on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, participates will run or walk five kilometres on their own routes and at their own pace.

The target is to raise over £50,000 for many charities in the area, with the Shanley Foundation being the lead sponsor for the race.

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It’s the second consecutive year that the foundation has been the race’s main sponsor.

This year’s lead charities are Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Services and Carers Bucks.

John Prout, chair of the Santa Fun Run organising committee, said: “This year is just so different – but despite all of the uncertainty the main thing is that the Marlow Santa Fun Run will take place.

Currently at Higginson Park in Marlow as the 15th annual #SantaFunRun is about to get underway. And yes, I’ll be donning the @bucksfreepress flag this year 🎅 🎄 pic.twitter.com/gPFeo4gHxV

“Last year we raised around £50,000 for mainly local charities – and they need our help more than ever.

“The Rotary Clubs of Marlow have decided that we will not let them down – but we really do need help from anyone who has a connection to Marlow in order to do this”.

The organisers have 3,000 Santa suits in stock and 3,000 official runner cards printed.

Also, many changes have been made to this year’s run.

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The changes are as follows:

• Children aged five and over will receive a Santa suit (suit availability subject to demand)

• Individuals and teams are invited to create their own Virgin Giving sponsorship pages

• This year £5,000 in fun ‘prizes’ has been made available (NOTE – the prizes are additional awards to charities – charities that runners choose)

• Prices have been slightly reduced

TV chef and resident Tom Kerridge adds his support by saying: "2020 has been a great challenge for all - and so many events have had to be cancelled.

“However the Rotary Clubs of Marlow are to be congratulated on ensuring that at least one great community event can be staged - even if it is in a ‘virtually real’ format.

“The 2020 Marlow Santa Fun Run deserves everyone's support - and with so many other charity events cancelled this is a real opportunity for local fund raising on a grand scale.

“Hopefully, Marlow, and the South Bucks area, will still see a sea of red Santas over the weekend of 5th and 6th December - even if a little more spaced out than usual”.

Sir Steve Redgrave, who has been the race’s starter for the last 15 years, added: “He comments: "Over the years the Redgrave family have been very involved in the annual Marlow Santa's Fun Run.

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“Indeed I have had the privilege of starting the event on many occasions.

“In a year when so many participation events have been cancelled it is, therefore, a delight to see that this iconic event is being held - albeit in a very different format.

“My very best wishes to the local Rotary Clubs in trying to raise £50,000 for local charities."

For more information and to take part in this year’s run, visit www.santasfunrun.org.