Santa Dash regulars who don the seasonal outfits to raise money for the Royal Borough's hospice are being asked to 'do their own thing' this year.

The annual event - the longest running Santa Dash in Berkshire - usually sees hundreds of them racing together round 3k, 5k or 10k routes in Swinley Forest to raise money for Thames Hospice in Hatch Lane, Windsor.

But 'social distancing' has made it impossible this year.

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Instead the hospice is inviting supporters to ‘do it their way’ and take on their own personal local walking or running route, covering the usual mileage while making sure they keep their distance from people joining them who are not in their official 'bubble'.

Alison Evans, head of events and community fundraising for the hospice, said: “Although we will miss kicking off the Christmas season together with our community, we hope that our supporters will enjoy their own festive fun dash. Everyone is welcome to get involved, whether it’s in a local park, at the gym or on a treadmill in the living room.

“We have never needed our wonderful supporters more than we need them now, so invite your friends, family, colleagues, neighbours to take part and help us raise funds to provide local people with quality of life when they most need it.”

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Book before October 31 to benefit from the charity’s special early-bird offer of £10 per adult and £2.50 per child. After that it is £15 per adult and £5 per child.

Anyone who raises over £100 in sponsorship will be awarded a medal, with those raising over £500 also receiving a special one-off Santa Dash event hoody. All participating adults will receive a Santa suit, and all children will receive reindeer ears to wear on their dash. Participants who are taking part in memory of a family member or friend can also download a bib for their suit to dedicate to their loved ones.

To sign up to the Thames Hospice Santa Dash, please visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/santadash