The festive 5k is finally returning to Bicester after skipping a year due to COVID-19 restrictions last Christmas.

Bicester Town Council are now urging people to sign up for the popular festive run and don a Santa suit to run around the town.

This year’s annual Santa Fun Run is sponsored by Anytime Fitness with proceeds going to the Mayor’s charities - ARCh Oxfordshire, assisted reading for children, The Countess of Jersey Educational Foundation, and 1st Bicester Intrepid Scout Group.

Mayor Councillor Nicholas Mawer said: “I would urge people to take part in the run, dress in your Santa suit and have fun. The Santa fun run is a fantastic way to welcome the festive season. I have taken part in this event before and had an amazing time, the atmosphere is fantastic.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Anytime Fitness for kindly sponsoring this community event and Tesco for providing the water and bacon rolls to participants. These wonderful community events can’t happen without the generous support of local businesses.”

Entry costs £10 per adult, £5 for children or £25 for a family ticket covering two adults and two children.

The price includes a Santa suit, and all runners will receive a medal and bacon roll at the finish line.

Participants will meet in Pingle Field for an 11am start on Sunday, December 19 and there are only 500 places available to runners.

Registration must be done in advance of the event which closes on Thursday, December 16.

To sign-up for the event visit Bicester Town Council’s website or Ticket Source.