Santa run goes green but is beaten by the weather

Hundreds of people have attended the events since they began in 2009

A Santa Run is becoming more "environmentally-friendly" with organisers tackling the problem of participants using disposable outfits.

Keech Hospice Care said its annual 5k walk, jog or sprint around Bedford's Embankment would return on 8 December but organisers have announced this year's event had been postponed due to the stormy weather.

It said that since 2009 it had provided Father Christmas outfits, but that practice had been stopped as too many were being discarded after the race.

It now asks people taking part to come wearing their own Santa suits, Christmas jumpers, fairy costumes or "whatever elf".

The Santa Runs have attracted up to 400 participants

The charity said the event helped towards raising the annual £8m it costs to run its services, which include hospices in Luton and Bedford.

It also provides care and support for adults in Bedfordshire and children in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes who are living with life-limiting conditions.

"In 2023, Keech took a break from the Santa Run to consider how to make it more environmentally-friendly and still run the event without giving out Santa suits, which were often thrown away immediately afterwards," the charity said.

Dogs are welcome at the event and can get into the festive spirit by dressing up

"This year, Keech is inviting people to come along to the event dressed for the occasion wearing outfits they already own or have made, such as their best Christmas jumper, fairy, elf or reindeer costumes, Santa outfits or whatever else makes them look colourful and feel festive."

Chief executive Liz Searle said: "We're happier than ever to be hosting it knowing there'll be minimal environmental impact."

However, the hospice announced on Saturday this year's event would be postponed.

"The safety of our participants, staff, and volunteers is our main priority, and we believe this is the most responsible decision given the current weather circumstances."

It said it would be in touch with anyone who had booked and appreciated people's "support and understanding".

This year's Santa Run was cancelled due to "weather circumstances"