Sprinting into its third year, the Jingle Bell Jog returns to Kings Heath park on Sunday December 4th. Included in the registration fee, all joggers will receive a free Santa suit and bushy white beard to don while they complete the 2km route. At the finish line, they will be greeted with a medal as well as a festive mince pie to get them into the Christmas spirit.

Last year was the most successful Jingle Bell Jog to date with more than 400 Santa’s taking on the challenge, raising more than £12,000 for the Hospice. Christmas is a vital fundraising period for the organisation that provides a range of free services at its base in Selly Oak, as well as people’s homes and in the local community across Birmingham and Sandwell.

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice provides support to over 1,200 individual and their families, carers and loved ones each year, costing £8million. This level of care is made possible by the backing of the public with over half of the running costs coming from voluntary incomes.

Hamish Shilliday, Head of Fundraising at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “The Jingle Bell Jog provides the perfect opportunity for people in the community to show their support for the Hospice at this festive time. Your generosity paired with the dedication of our excellent staff and volunteers helps us to continue to provide the well-needed care for individuals and their families all year round. It’s also a really fun event so sign up and get involved and I can’t wait to see you cross the finish line!”

Registration opens at 9.30am and the run will start at 11am. The Jingle Bell Jog is perfect for families, friends, colleagues and even pets and is sure to get you in the festive spirit. With a special appearance from the Grinch and the big man himself on the day, the aim is to help him fall back in love with Christmas.