A SANTA fun run will be coming to Clacton’s seafront next month to raise money for charity.

The Santathon, which is organised by Tendring Council chairman Jeff Bray, will take place on December 4 in a bid to support CVS Tendring.

The group encourages voluntary action in Tendring by providing community services across the area.

Residents who sign up to the Christmas event will get a free Santa suit to complete the fun run in, and are also encouraged to collect sponsorship to further boost the fundraising efforts.

The route will take runners along the lower promenade from Clacton Pier to Martello Bay, then back along the upper promenade.

Mr Bray said: “I look forward to seeing a hoard of Father Christmases running along the seafront, hopefully having some fun all in the name of a good cause.

“Santa runs prove popular elsewhere and I hope this will be a great addition to the town’s event calendar – possibly for years to come.

“So why not sign up, bring your family, work colleagues and mates along, and have a canter along the prom for charity – present-laden sacks are optional!

“While you don’t have to get sponsorship, if you do then you’ll be supporting a great cause.”

Everyone who joins the Christmas fun will be awarded a medal, and there is a trophy up for grabs for the best dressed Santa.

Sharon Alexander, chief officer at CVS Tendring, added: “This promises to be a great event, and a lovely way to celebrate the amazing work done by the voluntary sector over the past year – so sign up now!

“It will be wonderful to see a sea of Santas on the coast, having fun, getting active and raising money to support the vital work of the voluntary sector going forward."

The Atlanta Café will also be supporting the Santathlon by hosting the event desk on the day and supplying bottled water to the runners.

Café owner Rob Kendall said: “We’ve seen some unusual sights along the prom over the years, but usually in the summer, so this will be a welcome twist, and we’re delighted to be supporting it.”

The event will kick off at 1pm on December 4.

It costs £10 to enter, including a Santa suit.

To sign up visit tendringdc.gov.uk/leisure/events-entertainment/whats-on/santathon