GYM staff swapped their fitness gear for festive Santa suits ahead of an iconic hospice fundraiser.

Santas-in-training hopped on the static bikes and treadmills at FeelFit Gym in Cowley yesterday to plug Helen & Douglas House’s Santas on the Run event.

The gym and spa is a sponsor for the Oxford children’s hospice’s much-loved fundraiser, which is in its 12th year and sees crowds dressed as Father Christmas sprint through the city centre.

This year’s takes place on Sunday, December 9, and it is hoped 2,000 people will take part.

Live music will be played along the route, including by the City of Oxford Silver Band, and there will also be a Christmas market.

Lord Mayor of Oxford Colin Cook will officially start the run, while Witney Round Table will bring along its Santa’s sleigh.

The run spans 3.5km through Oxford centre, and the route is wheelchair and buggy-friendly.

Last year the event had to be cancelled last-minute on safety grounds, after heavy snowfall the previous night.

Hazel Bedford of Helen & Douglas House said: “This is such a lovely festive event for families in Oxfordshire to take part in.

“It raises money for local terminally ill children who we care for at our hospice in Oxford, and at home at Christmas, but also all year round.”

The fun run is suitable for all ages and abilities and people can choose to walk, jog or run.

Francis Penders, a manager at FeelFit Gym, said: “We want to help raise as much money as we can to support a great cause, and give back to our local community.”

Other sponsors for Santas on the Run this year are Stagecoach Oxfordshire bus company and TripAdvisor.

Adult tickets for Santas on the Run cost £20, children’s tickets £12, and family tickets £60.

Children aged five and under can take part for free.

To sign up, visit helenanddouglas.org.uk or call 01865 799150.