Entries invited for Malton’s first-ever Santa Fun Run

The event is hoping to attract 400 Santas of all ages, shapes and sizes to the Market Place when the inaugural fun run takes place on December 1.

Entries are now open for the three different races which will start at 1pm. They include Santa’s Elves for four-eight years, which will cover one lap of the Market Place; Santa’s Little Helpers for nine-14 years, which will tackle two laps, and the main event for adults who will go slightly further afield around a one-and-a-half mile circuit.

Entry is £12 for adults and £6 for children and includes your own five-piece Santa costume, as well as a medal and certificate which will be presented to everyone who completes the course.

The event is being organised by Rob Davies of Ryedale Special Families to help raise funds for the charity. Support will come from Yorkshire Building Society, Malton and Norton Rotary, Spectrum Solicitors and Community Traffic Management.

Rob said: “Santa Runs have become increasingly popular up and down the country in recent years and I felt it’s time that we had one of our own. It should be a great sight and good fun for all the family too.”

Rob said the run coincided with the first Sunday opening for Christmas, as well as the launch of Maltonopoly, and would be a brilliant prelude to the activities taking place later that afternoon, including the Christmas lights switch-on.

“We’re delighted and extremely grateful for all the support we’ve had and just hope the weather stays fair for the day and that everyone has a brilliant time,” he said.

Ryedale Special Families provides care and support to families with children who have disabilities or special needs.

An entry form can be found at www.ryedalespecialfamilies.org.uk or by calling in at Yorkshire Building Society’s branch in Wheelgate.