Wolverhampton charity's Santa Run to return in this month after Storm Darragh forced cancellation

The Beacon Centre for the Blind will mark the return of its much-loved Santa Run at the city's West Park on January 26.

Participants are invited to dress up as Father Christmas and don their running shoes and walk or run the five kilometre course.

The event was due to take place in December but the Wolverhampton-based charity, which supports people with sight conditions, was forced to reschedule as a result of Storm Darragh.

The storm brought high winds and rain to the West Midlands and led to fallen trees and travel disruption, with other events including a Christmas light switch-on in Cannock cancelled.

Sarah Dovey, fundraising manager at the Beacon Centre, said: "We were gutted to cancel December’s event, but hey, even Santa isn’t immune to the weather.

"We are so excited to bring it back, especially in our 150th anniversary year and we can’t wait to see everyone spreading Christmas cheer in January. 

"It’s going to be a sea of Santa's, a jingle-tastic morning, and the perfect way to shake off those winter blues."

West Park was filled with Father Christmas' in 2023 when the last Santa Run was held, with more than 250 runners in attendance.

Adults taking part in the race will be given their very own Santa suit, while youngsters will receive a Santa hat and medal.

And furry friends get to join in on the fun as they will receive their very own bandana.

Runners are asked to arrive at West Park on the day of the event in time for registration at 9.30am, with the race to kick off at 10am.

Tickets are £12 for adults, £5 for dogs and £7 for children, with youngsters aged under three able to enter for free.

People can secure their spot in the race by visiting beaconvision.org/santa-run-2, with tickets originally brought for the race still valid.