The 15th annual Isle of Man Bank Santa Dash is less than a month away and organisers are hoping for a record breaking number of Santas registering to take part.

Many jolly, white bearded individuals will be sprinting through the streets of Douglas on Wednesday, December 16, starting at 12.30pm from the bank’s premises in Athol Street.

More than 200 Santas attended the seasonal sprint last year and raised money for more than 40 charities. This year even more are expected to get their bootstraps on to go dashing down Prospect Hill, Victoria Street, along Loch Promenade, up Church Road and along Finch Road to a finish at the entrance to the South Douglas Old Friends’ Association where they will receive a goody bag at the festive warm down reception.

The race has attracted a wider array of holiday characters over the years from reindeer to Christmas trees and beyond. Prize money totalling ?3,000, provided by Isle of Man Bank, is awarded to the winners’ chosen charities. There will be prizes of ?300, ?200 and ?100 for the first three Santa Clauses to finish, male and female, ?100 for the best dressed, male and female Santa and ?100 for the best festive team. In addition, there will be 15 spot prizes worth ?100, spread throughout the field for pre-determined, but secret, finishing positions.

Bill Shimmins, Managing Director, Isle of Man Bank, said: ‘The Santa Dash has become a firm fixture in the festive calendar and has gained so much support since 2000 when only 10 Santas competed in the first dash.

‘We hope to see more than 200 this year, both the competitive ones and those who just enjoy taking part, but most importantly, all will be embracing the festive spirit and raising funds for their chosen charities.’

To register to take part in the Santa Dash, visit the Isle of Man Bank website www.iombank.com/santadash pick up a form from Isle of Man Bank branches or call Jane Howland on 01624 646622.