KIDDERMINSTER’S Kemp Hospice annual Santa Fun Run will be returning again this year – with a difference.

Organisers have launched the Kemp Hospice Santa Cycle Ride which will accompany the traditional 10, five and one kilometre fun run courses at Brinton Park being held on Sunday, December 2.

The 25-mile route will see cyclists go through the main towns of Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley to help raise money for the charity while runners, joggers and walkers continue to pound the pavements and canal walkways of Kidderminster.

The run has become a festive tradition in Kidderminster and this year’s Santa Fun Run follows 2017’s record breaking 10th anniversary event which saw 500 people take part.

Event organiser Shelley Stanley said: “After last year’s phenomenal turn-out I was asked if we planned to allow people to bring their bikes along, however I wanted to keep the Brinton Park course just for runners.

“We were then approached by a cycling group within West Mercia Police who are based opposite Kemp on Mason Road to see if we would like them to help put together a cycle route.

“They’ve put together a great course, and with the Velo not returning to the Wyre Forest this is a great opportunity for families to saddle up and join in a great day of fundraising.”

People can now sign up to take part in the three running events or the cycle ride and to start raising their sponsorship money.

Every penny raised will go towards the work of Kemp Hospice in providing care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses and also to fund much needed bereavement support for families across the district.

People can register online at www.kemphospice.org.uk/santafunrun.

It costs £15 for the 10k run, £10 for the 5k while the 1k Santa Dash is free for children. Anyone who would like to take part in the Santa Cycle Ride will pay £20 and receive a free Santa suit like the 10k and 5k runners.