AN annual festive run will return to Saltcoats this December to raise money for local charities.

The North Ayrshire Santa Dash was run as a virtual event last year due to pandemic restrictions, however this year’s event will take place as a collective, with runners wearing a Santa costume as they walk or jog their way along the 5k route in Saltcoats.

Entry fees will pay for the Santa suits, with a donation going towards charities the Night Before Christmas Campaign, who provide Christmas presents and gifts for those in need.

Money will also go to North Ayrshire Food Bank, who ensure people in the community can enjoy Christmas regardless of their personal circumstances.

Organiser Blair Pettigrew told the Herald: “We had to change the route a little bit, we previously took it to Saltcoats but the road closures make it too expensive.

“So we changed it to the prom this year, out and back, traffic free.

"It should make it more attractive to families and folk who don’t want to do the full 5k.

“We’re looking to raise as much as possible.

"The charities will get all the profits – whatever we got for sign ups, the more money that charities make and every penny we make helps those in need.

“The more people sign up, the cheaper the Santa suits and medals are, so more money goes to the charities.

“Everybody gets together and dresses up as Santa.

"The vision of a few hundred Santas running down main street of all shapes and sizes and genders all running along the seafront at Saltcoats gets people into the Christmas spirit.

“It captures the imagination and this way people can get involved with their families to give to charities who wouldn’t be well off this time of year.

“Thanks to the sponsors who have supported us – Community Windpower, EDF, West of Scotland Padel and XS Stock – we urge everyone get signed up nice and early to make it bigger and better.”

Santa suits and race numbers will be picked up on the day before the race at a collect point in Saltcoats, details will be communicated in a pre-race email. Runners can wear their own Santa suit but are still required to pay entry fee.

For more information on the event, and to register, visit: entrycentral.com/NASantaDash2021.