Families, friends and colleagues will have the chance to kick start the Christmas season in style alongside hundreds of fellow joggers in a free santa suit and bushy white beard as they complete the 2km run. All runners will also receive a medal and a well-deserved mince pie at the finish line.

Last year’s event saw a record number of participants with more than 400 jolly santas descending on Kings Heath Park, raising more than £12,000 for the hospice. Hundreds of participants are expected to gather to provide even more vital support for the charity during the festive period.

Hamish Shilliday, Head of Fundraising at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “The continued support we have received for this year’s Jingle Bell Jog has been wonderful and we can’t wait to see Kings Heath Park full of santas this weekend! Beyond it being a hugely fun event it is also a vital part of our Care at Christmas campaign. It costs £8 million per year to run the Hospice so the funds raised help our brilliant staff to continue to provide vital support to our patients and their loved ones, not only at Christmas but all year round.

“The event is a great way to kick start the festivities so whether you jog, stroll or skip, sign yourself up today to join in the fun!”

On the day, registration opens at 9.30am and the run will start at 11am. Before the jog begins; families, friends and colleagues will get the chance to have a selfie with the Grinch and Santa will be making an appearance in his sleigh, bringing lots of gifts to be won with him in a festive raffle. All runners will also get the chance to warm up for the jog with the help of EasyGym.

The Jingle Bell Jog kicks of the Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice Care at Christmas campaign, a range of activities to drive local support during the festive period. It costs around £22,000 to run the Hospice on Christmas day and this enables staff to provide the much-needed care and support to patients and families.