The Isle of Man Bank Santa Dash will return again this year for the 20th time.

Last year the bank didn’t organise an event, citing coronavirus concerns, with Nedgroup Investments putting the run on instead.

This year, junior runners are invited to take part for the first time.

Anyone under 15 will be asked to run with an adult who must also be registered to run.

Registrations are now open for the charity event, which will take place on Wednesday, December 22 at 12.30pm, starting outside the Isle of Man Bank on Prospect Hill, Douglas.

As always, runners are encouraged to raise sponsorship for their own worthy causes.

Ian Perry, director of Isle of Man Bank, said: ’We are so pleased to be able to bring back the Isle of Man Bank Santa Dash for the 20th year as it really is a traditional part of the run-up to Christmas for many of our islanders.

’This year is even more special as we are inviting young people to join in the fun, so I’m looking forward to seeing lots of santas and elves dashing together to raise money for some really worthy causes.’

There are a number of prizes available on the day, including for best costumes, and spot prizes for randomly-selected finish positions.

Winners of these prizes will be asked to choose whether they want to donate to Isle Listen, Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, Cruse Bereavement Care, Isle of Play or Alzheimer’s Society.

Entry is free, but you do need to register online so that your details are recorded and you can be issued with a timing chip at registration.

To register, visit: https://my.raceresult.com/182718/ or go to http://www.manxtimingsolutions.com and find the event under the ’events/results’ link.

l Northern Athletics will also be holding a ’Santa Dash’ in Mooragh Park, Ramsey at 10am on Saturday, December 18 to raise funds for the Isle of Man Foodbank.