HUNDREDS of runners are set to transform Castle Park into a red and white sea of Santas as a charity event returns for its 15th year. 

Residents are being invited to join in the festive spirit in the annual Santa Fun Run.

The event, organised by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, is set to take place on Sunday, December 8.

Participants, donned in Santa suits, will jog, walk, or run either of the 5km or 3km routes through Castle Park.

The event will raise money for patients, staff, and volunteers across East Suffolk and North Essex Trust (ESNEFT).

Additionally, participants can choose which trust hospital, ward, department, or appeal their fundraising will support, including the Butterfly Appeal, Cancer Wellbeing Centre, and children’s departments.

Maxine Last, clinical project lead for end-of-life care at the trust, will take part in the run dressed as 'the holiday armadillo' inspired by the TV show Friends.

Ms Last said: "The Butterfly Appeal is extremely important to me as I am dedicated to improving care before, during, and after death.

"Supporting end-of-life care through projects such as the Butterfly Appeal is vital for those facing serious and life-limiting conditions, their families, and carers at both our acute and community hospital sites and within our communities across Suffolk and north Essex.

"I’m raising money to help our non-clinical Butterfly Service run long into the future, whilst making sure that people do not die alone across the trust."

Persimmon Homes is sponsoring the event, which will be the 15th annual Santa Fun Run to take place in Colchester.

Richard Hush, managing director of Persimmon Homes Essex, said: "Our local hospitals are at the very heart of our community and it is an honour to be able to support the work they do through our sponsorship of the Santa Fun Run.

"We are looking forward to being a part of this popular annual event, raising funds for this very worthy cause and also celebrating the staff who go the extra mile for their patients."

Participants can take advantage of an early bird discount until the end of October.

More information, including registration for the Santa Fun Run 2024, is available at colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk.