Katharine House’s popular Santa Fun Run is back, and this year, Santa is going green. 

In an effort to limit the impact its events have on the environment, the hospice is introducing a couple of greener options at its Santa Fun Run, which takes place on 3 December at Spiceball Park, Banbury from 11am.  

This year, runners taking part in the 5km or 10km race will have the chance to choose a greener option by either reusing an old Santa Suit, wearing red, or just opting for a Christmas jumper or hat instead. The usual Santa suits and hats will be available for those that would still like to use them.  

In addition, the running medals, this year sponsored by Norbar, have also been swapped for more sustainable wooden ones.

Event project manager Helen Lerwill said: "With almost 1,000kg of waste generated from our Santa suits and hats across our Santa Fun Run and Santa Schools Run fundraising events, we’re thinking hard about the impact that our events have on the environment. By swapping to one of our greener options, it could help reduce waste by 75%. We hope that our runners can support our efforts to make the hospice a little greener.

"We can’t wait for this year’s event. There really is no better way to start the Christmas season and we hope as many people as possible will take part and help us raise money for our amazing hospice."

One person who will be taking part is Dee Loader. She and a group of her close school pals, who have known each other for over 25 years, took part in last year’s Santa Fun Run in memory of their friend Lisa who died at the hospice in 2015 at the age of 29. 

Dee said: "Katharine House Hospice was so kind and supportive during a very difficult time and we wanted to give back to say thank you. Our whole friendship group took part. And we decided to make it a little harder by including our children, all aged between the ages of two and eight! It’s festive fun for everyone and a fabulous fundraising opportunity.

"Katharine House Hospice was so kind and supportive during a very difficult time and we wanted to give back to say thank you. Even after she had died, we were allowed to visit and say goodbye. Lisa was at peace there and this was so reassuring to her friends and family. Katharine House is incredibly important for our community and we’re very lucky to have it."

Katharine House provides a wide range of services to support adults with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their family and friends, from the point of diagnosis onwards, helping people make the most of the time they have left and create quality memories with their loved ones.

With less than a week to go now, you can still register to take part: registrations close on Thursday 30 November.

Find out more about the Santa Fun Run