The 25th anniversary edition of the annual Isle of Man Bank Santa Dash will take place in Douglas next month, with runners invited to don their festive outfits and take part in the popular charity event.

This year’s dash will take place on Wednesday, December 16, starting at 12.30pm outside Isle of Man Bank on Prospect Hill.

Entry is free, but participants are required to register online in advance to allow organisers to issue timing chips at registration.

The event is once again open to younger runners, with those aged 15 to 17 permitted to take part unaccompanied. But under-15s must run alongside an adult aged 18 or over, who must also be registered. Both must attend registration together to collect their race numbers.

The charities set to benefit from this year’s event are yet to be confirmed, with details due to be announced on the registration website at https://my.raceresult.com/428762 and social media channels.

So far, nearly 100 runners have already signed up to take part in the festive fun event.

A range of prizes donated by the headline bank will be up for grabs, including awards for the first three male and female finishers, best-dressed male and female Santas, and best-dressed team, alongside 30 spot prizes.

Prizewinners will be invited to select a charity from a list chosen by Isle of Man Bank colleagues to receive their prize donation. Participants are also welcome to raise additional sponsorship for a charity of their own choice.

Although timing chips will be used to record performances and produce results, the event is primarily a charity fundraiser rather than a competitive race.

The emphasis is firmly on having fun, getting into the Christmas spirit and raising money for good causes across the Isle of Man.