THE rundown to the Great Skipton Santa Fun Run kicks off on Friday (September 22) with a launch meeting at Skipton Town Hall.

Organised by the Rotary Club of Skipton Craven, and supported by the town council, the 14th fun run, due to take place in the High Street on Sunday, November 26 with an 11am start, will mark the beginning of the town's festive celebrations. 

Hundreds of runners and walkers in Santa outfits are expected to take place in the 5km run, which raises thousands of pounds for charity. The day's activities will conclude at 5pm with the turning on of the Christmas lights. Organisers hope this year will see the breaking of the 2,000 Santas barrier - just 300 more than last year's around 1,700. 

Participants are invited to raise money for their own charities or support the event through sponsorship, and there is a £250 incentive for the first 10 organisations to enter a team of 25 or more.

People can run or walk the route, which starts and finishes on High Street and takes in Aireville Park. There is also a 3km wheelchair-friendly alternative. Anyone of six years old and more can take part.

Entry fees are £22 for adults (£25 on the day) and £10 for children 16 and under, and includes a Santa T-shirt, hat and commemorative medal.

Rotarian Peter Ripley, lead organiser said: “Over the years, nearly £430,000 has been raised by participating teams and individuals and sponsors, and through anonymous donations, including the £49,265 raised last year to the benefit of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, Marie Curie, The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, Skipton Step into Action, Skipton RFC Juniors, Keighley RUFC Juniors, Martin House and individual cash gifts to the needy.

Last year, 1,717 people took part including two from Philadelphia, seven from Rome, 17 from the Netherlands, four from Ireland, one from Belfast and one from Penrith.

More details at: www.skiptonsantafunrun.com; to register, visit https://racebest.com/races/zhy7