RUNNERS from Droitwich Athletics Club have donned their outfits ready for a festive fancy dress run.

The athletes met for training at Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre kitted out in their seasonal outfits for this year’s Leukaemia CARE Santathon.

They are aiming to put in a fast pace over the 5km Santathon course in Worcester and raise money for the charity.

Martin Smith from the Droitwich Athletics Club said: “We are really proud to support Leukaemia CARE’s Santathon. They do such a good job helping patients, carers and their families suffering from Leukaemia. It’s great to give something back, and we get the chance to do something we love, which is running.”

The event starts and finishes at Worcester City Football Club on Sunday, December 6, from 11am and wind its way around 5km of roads.

Participants can run or walk the course dressed as Santa, with the costume part of the entrance fee.

Money raised will go to the national Worcester-based charity, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year.

This is the seventh year the Santathon has been held in Worcester.

It is also happening at Evesham High School on the same day and at the same time, giving more people the chance to have a festive fund-raising funday.

Nick Martin, Leukaemia CARE spokesman, said, “It’s fantastic to get so much support from the sports clubs. The runners from Droitwich Athletics Club will register and all receive their Santa outfits, have a great laugh and collect sponsorship money for us, which is so important. Not only do they have great fun but the funds they raise allow the charity to provide its much-needed work.”

Last year’s event, in which 480 people took part, raised more than £20,000 but the charity is hoping for more this year.

The Santathon will help fund the CARE Line, which costs £250,000 a year to run.

Entrance is £10 for an adult and £5 for a child.

Registration forms are available from Leukaemia CARE, Worcester City Football Club and at xmas funrun. co.uk.