ORGANISERS have added 150 extra places for a popular fun run following a high demand for places.

Naomi House and Jacksplace hospices are preparing to stage Winchester’s largest ever Santa Fun Run after places sold out earlier this month and have now added the extra places to raise funds for the hospice.

Last year, the Winchester Santa Fun Run saw 700 Santas running a 5km route from Winchester Guildhall. This year, a total of 850 places are available.

Charlotte Patrick, events fundraiser at Naomi House and Jacksplace, said: “The Winchester Santa Fun Run is an enormously popular event and we are delighted that we can accommodate even more festive runners at Winchester’s most festive spectacle.

"We would expect the last remaining places to be snapped up very quickly so would urge anybody wanting to take part to sign up as soon as possible.”

Entry prices are £16 for adults and £12 for children. Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship of £50.

Naomi House and Jacksplace expect the event to raise more than £35,000 towards the costs of providing a magical Christmas to the region’s life-limited and life-threatened children.

Each participant will be given a free Santa suit to wear and keep, and a medal to mark their achievements. Registration opens at 8.30am and the run will begin at 9.30am on December 3.