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After raising more than £1500 in 2007 with the help of 273 would be Santas, the second annual Bunwell Santa Fun Run returns on Sunday, 14 December, 2008.

With support from BBC Radio Norfolk and South Norfolk Council, the Bunwell Strollers running group has been in preparation for another festive charity event.

"We're just short of 200 entries at the moment - that's compared with about 30 to 50 this time last year. I don't know whether people have decided to register early but we hope to have well in excess of 400 this year," said Nigel Seaward, chairman of Bunwell Strollers.

A community event

2008 looks like it will be a much bigger event than the year previous, but whose idea was it to dress up as Santa and run around the village?

People of all ages enjoy the fun run

"We all wanted to get the community aware of what we were doing and bring everyone together. I think it's one of the events that stands out for people, mainly due to the participation of the entire community and the fun element," said Nigel.

Entry to the run costs £10, but everything is provided for the race as well as a small contribution of the entry fee going to charity.

"Everything that comes through the registration pays for everyone young and old to have a Santa suit and a memento. All the rest goes to local charities and good causes. Last year was Quidenham Hospice and this year we are looking at giving the money to the East Anglian Air Ambulance," said Nigel.

Choice of distances

If the whole idea of getting up on a Sunday morning and running around the countryside doesn't appeal to you, you may be persuaded by a slightly easier walk or jog.

"They are all very flat courses, so there is nothing to be worried about. The 5km course is for the more adventurous, but we also have a Santa's Helper Run, which is aimed at our younger participants. Some even get pushed along in their push chairs!" said Nigel.

Celebrity Santa

Chicago marathon winner and Norfolk athletics development officer Paul Evans will be at the event, possibly even wearing his own Santa outfit.

"Paul does a tremendous amount of work in East Anglia for the development of athletics. He took the warm-up last year and he will be starting the event again this year," said Nigel.

As the event takes place in December, there is always a small chance there will be some festive weather for the runners to battle with.

"Snow is not a bad thing, as long as it doesn't lay too thick on the floor. It was a beautiful day last year and everyone deserved their warm mince pie at the end," said Nigel.

The Bunwell Santa Fun Run takes place on Sunday, 14 December, 2008. For more information, log on to the Bunwell Strollers website.