Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is calling for participants to join in with the festivities in its annual Christmas fun run. Sprinting into its third year, the Jingle Bell Jog returns to Kings Heath park in December. All joggers will receive a free Santa suit and bushy white beard to don while they complete the 2km route. At the finish line, runners will be given a medal as well as a festive mince pie. There’ll also be a special appearance from the Grinch and the big man himself.

Last year was the most successful Jingle Bell Jog to date with more than 400 Santa’s taking on the challenge, raising more than £12,000 for the Hospice. Christmas is a vital fundraising period for the organisation that provides a range of free services at its base in Selly Oak, as well as people’s homes and in the local community across Birmingham and Sandwell.

The jog kicks off the Hospice’s annual ‘Care at Christmas’ campaign, a jam-packed range of activities set to drive support for the hospice during the Christmas period.

Hamish Shilliday, Head of Fundraising at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “The Jingle Bell Jog provides the perfect opportunity for people in the community to show their support for the Hospice at this festive time. Your generosity paired with the dedication of our excellent staff and volunteers helps us to continue to provide the well-needed care for individuals and their families all year round. It’s also a really fun event so sign up and get involved and I can’t wait to see you cross the finish line!”

Registration opens at 9.30am and the run will start at 11am.

For more details and to register visit www.careatchristmas.org