A sea of Santas will turn the streets of Carlisle city centre red again this December.

The Carlisle Santa Dash outing last year saw 650 people fire up festivities and raise more than £6,000 for Jigsaw, two weeks before Christmas.

Organisers hope the 2017 5km dash and 2km fun run will raise even more for Cumbria’s only children’s hospice, which is housed at the Eden Valley Hospice on Blackwell Road, Carlisle.

This year new festive fancy dress and medal options are available for participants.

The Carlisle Santa Dash will be on Sunday, December 10.

The 5km event will take place first, before the family-friendly 2km fun run which is suitable for prams and pushchairs.

The event is being organised by members of Carlisle Tri Club, DH Runners and Sport in Action, who are all giving their time and effort free of charge.

Claire Allen, a director of Sport in Action, said: “We’re hoping this year’s will be bigger and better. Like last year, there are two objectives - raise as much money for the children’s hospice as possible and have fun whatever the weather.

“The Santa Dash was overwhelmingly popular last year and it raised £6,000 for Jigsaw. We’d love to raise more this year.”

Organisers are designing an entry for school groups. There is already a family option available.

Mrs Allen said: “There were a couple of school groups last year and we’d love to see more take part.

“We also hope to encourage more participants to raise sponsorship this year. Sponsor forms are available and can be downloaded from our website. ”

Mrs Allen and her husband Brian had the idea of organising a Santa Dash in Carlisle after coming across a similar event in Glasgow while on a shopping trip to the Scottish city .

Firms and organisations have an opportunity to get involved in the 2017 Carlisle Santa Dash.

Organisers hope all entry fees can go to Jigsaw. To achieve this, companies are sought to help supply goods such as water, mince pies, medals and costumes or meet the costs that will be incurred.

Those already supporting this year’s event include Pirelli, Carlisle City Council, DHL, PK Engineering, Connexions, DCS Multiserve, Metro, Kathryn Osborne Sports and Exercise Therapy and GS Lowry Design.

“The Santa Dash is the only event taking place in the city centre that day, and so there’s the chance for groups or companies to join in the fun and have stalls,” said Mrs Allen.

“Perhaps someone wants to sell hot chocolate or Christmas crafts and help raise more money for Jigsaw by making a contribution to our efforts, or do their own fundraising while they are there. We’d love people to get in touch with their ideas .”

Sam Johnston, hospice community fundraiser, said: "We are delighted they have chosen to support Jigsaw again this year by hosting the fantastic Santa Dash around Carlisle City Centre .

"Last year’s fundraising Santas helped to raise a phenomenal amount of money in aid of the children’s hospice, and we cannot wait to see all of the Santas running around the city again this December.

"We would encourage everybody to don a Santa costume and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit this year and support Jigsaw. The money raised at the event helps our dedicated team of nurses, health care assistants and activity co-ordinators to provide the individualised, complex nursing and therapeutic support each child and young adults needs."
Jigsaw needs to raise £2,126.46 to cover the costs of its care services for a whole day.

For information about taking part, volunteering or for firms and organisations looking to get involved, email info@Sportinaction.co.uk.

For full route details and to enter, visit http://sportinaction.co.uk/carlisle-santa-walk-dash/