Hundreds of Santas are set to paint Carlisle red in the run up to Christmas to help raise funds for Cumbria’s children’s hospice.

Three of the city’s best-known sporting names are joining forces for a fun, festive 5k – followed by a shorter 2k event suitable for all the family.

Proceeds from the Carlisle Santa Dash on December 11 are going to Jigsaw, the county children’s hospice, based at Durdar.

Triathlon club Carlisle Tri; DH Runners – a city running club – and Sport in Action, a sports events company, are behind the run or walks.

To create a festive feel, participants who sign up will receive a Santa suit to wear on the day and will get a medal upon completion of their race.

Claire Allen, of Sport in Action, said: “We were in Glasgow last year; we’d gone up for the Christmas market when we saw all the Santas in the city centre.

“It looked really good and there are dashes in cities across the country, so we thought Carlisle should do it too.”

Lindsay Graham, from DH Runners, said: “Carlisle Tri and DH Runners are two popular clubs which regularly support Sport in Action events through competing and volunteering.

“We thought it would help add to the festive cheer in the run-up to Christmas locally and give families an event they can enjoy together while raising money for a good cause.

“Our members already regularly raise money and support good causes throughout the year.”

Kathryn Osborne, from the Carlisle Tri club, said: “The 5K route will take participants around some of Carlisle’s best-known landmarks.

“It starts at Bitts Park and will finish near the cathedral.

“The 2K fun run will start an hour after the 5K and allow people the chance to come together.”

A host of businesses have already thrown their weight behind the Carlisle Santa Dash.

They include Pirelli, McVitie’s, Premier Electrical, Kathryn Osborne Sports Therapy and GS Lowry Design.

Organisers hope other firms can support the event too.

Claire said: “We would love for all of the entry fees to go to Jigsaw, so we’re looking for businesses to help us meet the costs of the suits and medals.

“It would mean that the charity would get all the money raised.”

Santa suits will be provided for five to 14-year-olds and adults and more than 100 people have already signed up to take part.

To enter, visit www.sportinaction.co.uk .

Entry is free for children under the age of five.