IT IS already beginning to look a lot like Christmas at St Clare Hospice as the fundraising team prepare for the charity’s annual festive 5k fun run and walk in Harlow.

The St Clare ‘Santa Dash’ is taking place on Sunday 4 December at The Water Gardens in Harlow and features both a family-friendly 5k route around the town, as well as a shorter ‘mini mile’ suitable for young families.

The Hastingwood-based hospice aims to register more running Santas than ever before to help them reach their fundraising target for the event of £10,000. This vital amount could help the charity fund 24 hours of their essential care services.

The event organiser, St Clare fundraiser Jade Clarke, said: “This year we are aiming to raise £10,000 at our Santa Dash, which is enough to fund our services on Christmas Day. While everyone is enjoying one of the most special days of the year, the reality is that our staff are still caring for patients and their families – both in our centre and in their own homes. It would be amazing if our festive fun run could raise enough to pay for 24 hours of our essential care services on Christmas Day. What a wonderful way to spread love this Christmas and make a real difference to local families in need.”

Jade Clarke said: “This year’s Santa Dash promises to be a ho, ho, whole lot of fun – and a great way to kick off your countdown to Christmas. Taking part in our 5k fun run even means you can feel guilt-free about all those extra mince pies and treats you will be having this festive season! Our runners really will make a spectacularly festive sight as every participant dons their Santa suit for the yuletide dash. Entry to the event includes a free Santa suit for adults and an elf hat for children – so you don’t even need to worry about where to buy your fancy dress.”

Outlining the event routes, Jade Clarke said: “Both the 5k and the 1 mile courses will start and finish at The Water Gardens. The 5k route will take our festive runners through Harlow Town Park and our special short ‘mini mile’ for kids, which is new for this year, will loop round the town. Both courses are suitable for wheelchairs and push chairs, and dogs are welcome, so it’s guaranteed festive fun for all the family!”

Advanced entry costs £12 for adults and £2.50 for children (£15 and £5 on the day). Registration opens at 9.30am and the event sets off at 11.00am. You can take part in either the 5k route or the 1 mile mini event.

Visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk/event/st-clare-santa-dash for more information and to register.

The St Clare ‘Santa Dash’ is kindly sponsored by the Grown Up Chocolate Company.