GET ready... steady... dash...

Yes, despite Covid restrictions Saddleworth’s famous charity Santa Dash begins at the weekend.

But this year’s extravaganza will be a virtual event spread over a week from Saturday, November 28 to Saturday, December 5.

Organised by ace fundraisers Saddleworth Round Table, entrants undertake their own 2km or 5km Santa dash during the week and create their own routes.

And a Round Table spokesman said: “We would love some of your routes to take in the sights of Saddleworth - Pots and Pans and Dovestones - do please share your pictures and videos from your run on our Facebook page.

“The response to this years virtual dash has been great. We are close to selling out. We will be dropping off suit and medals this week for people to start their runs at the weekend.

“And even include a picture of your Strava, or running app map so we can see where all you Santas have been.

“So come on— let’s fill Saddleworth with Santas.”

Entrance costs £5 for adults £5 plus a booking fee for a suit and medal and £3 children plus booking for a hat and medal.

Round Table says it only has limited medals and suits but is still encouraging Santa runs if they have sold out.

And organisers advise entrants to try to create their own routes to stop crowds forming on the usual Santa dash routes.

And all proceeds this year go to Oldham Foodbank which relies on the local community for food donations, volunteering and finances.

The call on Foodbank resources and assistance has massively intensified during the current pandemic.

With this in mind Round Table organisers are hoping people participating in this year‘s event will make a small donation to help this important and valuable cause.

Added a Round Table spokesman: “We have tried to keep ticket prices to a minimum, if you would like to donate more towards the Foodbank please look out for the Donate option in the tickets section.

He added: “We would like to thank Donkeystone Brewery for kindly sponsoring this years event and would like to say a massive thank you to all the previous events sponsors, The event wouldn't be the success it is without all their help.”

To enter visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/saddleworth-virtual-santa-dash-2020-tickets-123949164287