THERE is still time to sign up and support the ninth Great Skipton Santa Fun Run organised by Skipton Craven Rotary Club.

The event is off to a flying start with 600 already enrolled and participant numbers rapidly increasing.

The aim is for 2,000 runners this year with charities benefitting including Sue Ryder Manorlands and Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Last year the fun run saw Skipton’s streets turn red as 1,800 Santas streamed through the town raising over £37,500 for charities and cheered on by enthusiastic spectators and local bands.

Many local businesses, organisations and schools used the event to raise money for their own charities and supported the event through sponsorship.

The run takes place this year on Sunday, November 25 at 11 o’clock with the help of Rotarians and friends.

Skipton Town Council is allowing the run to start for the first time from the High Street allowing better access to changing and toilet facilities. Limited free parking will be available at Skipton Building Society for cars entering prior to 11am.

The run kicks off a whole day of local events based on the town centre culminating in the Christmas lights switch on later in the day.

The fun event is open to individuals from six years and over and the 5k marshalled course can be completed walking or running so is suitable for most abilities.

Families and members of community groups are encouraged to enter teams to run as a group and raise money for their favourite cause. Each runner will get a Santa Suit and receive a completion medallion.

Among the runners this year are Ingleton couple Wendy Lawson and Alex Griffin who will be setting off in the run dressed as Santas before nipping off to get married at Skipton Registry Office before rejoining the runners to complete the course.

Colin Hargreaves of the Santa Fun Run organising committee said: “The Rotary Club of Skipton Craven are delighted to be working with Skipton Town Council and the Skipton BID (Business Improvement District) to bring a full day of entertainment to Skipton High Street, beginning with the start of this year’s Santa Fun Run and continuing throughout the day to include the switching on of the ‘Skipton Christmas Lights’ later in the afternoon.”

Full details about the event and how to participate are at: www.skiptonsantafunrun.com