FESTIVE fun runners are being encouraged to don their Santa outfits and take to the track for St Teresa’s Hospice.

The annual Santa Run will take part at West Park Academy on Saturday, December 5 and will see runners of all ages tackle 2.5km or 5km runs through the school grounds and West Park itself.

Among those taking part again is mum-of-two Amanda Leslie whose first foray into the Santa Run encouraged her to train for the much more challenging Great North Run in Newcastle.

She said: “I loved the events so much I plan to take part in both every year.”

St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “The annual run is so much fun and does inspire people throughout the year as well as raise much-needed funds for the hospice.

“We are so grateful to runners like Amanda and her children who support the event year after year and to West Park Academy for hosting us.”

As well as the runs, there will be stalls in the hall, including cakes by Archer’s Catering, tombolas and Christmas games.

The run starts at 11am, entry is £10 for over 16s, £5 for ages five to 15 and free for under fives.

Dogs are welcome at £2 per pet.

Entry fee includes a Santa suit, or Santa hat for children, mince pie and hot drink. To register, visit darlingtonhospice.org.uk.