THE Winchester Santa Fun Run returns on Sunday December 4.

Some 700 runners dressed as Father Christmas’s will raise money for Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices.

It has become a Christmas tradition for many families but with just 700 places available the charity are urging people to sign up early or risk missing out.

The 2015 Winchester Santa Fun Run saw the Santas running a five km route from Winchester Guildhall.

Some 100 people have already signed up and organisers are confident it will sell out long before the event.

Entry prices are £12 for adults and £8 for children until October 31. Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship of £50.

Naomi House & Jacksplace expect the event to raise more than £25,000 towards the costs of providing a magical Christmas to the region’s life-limited and life-threatened children.

Charlotte Patrick, Events Fundraiser at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: “The Santa fun run is a brilliant way to kick start the Christmas season and we are really excited to be able to bring this event back to the streets of Winchester after such a successful event last year. We can’t wait to see hundreds of festive fun runners adding a bit of Christmas cheer to the streets of Winchester”.

Each participant will be given a free Santa suit to wear and keep, and a medal to mark their achievements as they cross the finish line.

Registration opens at 8.30am and the run will begin at 9.30am. Refreshments are available at Winchester Guildhall.

To sign up online visit: www.naomihouse.org.uk