SANTAS will career through an inflatable igloo tunnel and a crackling ‘fire zone’ at Oxford’s most festive fun run.

The sight of hundreds of Santas dashing through the streets has become an iconic part of the city’s Christmas calendar, courtesy of Helen & Douglas House.

Next week, the Oxford hospice’s revamped Santas on the Run fundraiser will return, renamed as the Frosty 5k.

This time it will take place at University Parks and participants can enjoy an ‘event village’ including an outdoor ice rink and a giant snow globe.

It takes place on Saturday, December 7 and hundreds of people have signed up so far, but Friday at midday is the cut-off for people to sign up in advance.

The course covers four zones – an igloo lined with masses of icicle lights, a fog tunnel, a fire zone with simulated flames and crackling sounds, and a snow zone with 15 metres of inflatable snow people.

ALSO READ: Pictures from last year's Santas on the Run

Among those taking part will be Mark Fry, his wife Jo and their children – six-year-old Joseph, three-year-old Elliott and 18-month-old Emily.

The couple’s first born child, Charlie, died at the hospice in 2012, aged just 17 days.

Mr Fry, who lives near Swindon, said: “This is just our little bit of help to give back for the huge amount they gave Jo, our families, friends and myself.

“The service they gave us was nothing short of remarkable - they allowed us to make the most of our time with him.”

The family spent 12 days at the hospice in Magdalen Road, before Charlie died of a bowel condition.

Mr Fry will also be talking on stage at the event, about their experience.

He added: “Staff were always around if we needed help - not just with Charlie, but for us too.

“They fed us three meals a day, did our laundry and nothing was ever too much trouble.

“They allowed us to focus on Charlie, with simple things like reading him Thomas the Tank Engine stories or taking him out in his pram along Cowley Road.

“Whatever we needed, no matter how big or small or the time of day, they would have got it for us.”

He encouraged people to support the hospice, which relies almost entirely on donations to run.

ALSO READ: Pictures from hospice's new Bubble Rush run

The on-site ‘event village’ will be open between 10am and 3pm, packed with activities including an outdoor ice rink and rides including a swing boat and chair-o-plane.

Participants can have their photo taken in a snow globe, get their face or beard painted with glitter, or warm up with a drink of luxury hot chocolate or a fresh crepe.

The course is completely wheelchair and buggy-friendly and people are welcome to walk, jog or run.

Hazel Bedford from Helen & Douglas House said: “This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and a great festive event for all the family to take part in.

“By taking part, you will help create magical Christmas memories for the local children we care for, and ensure that we are there to work alongside local families like Mark’s on their difficult and exhausting journey, physically and emotionally, every step of the way.’

The 11am start time is already sold out but there are still places on the midday start time.

People can also come along on the day to sign up at 10am.

Sign up by visiting helenanddouglas.org.uk/event/frosty-5k before lunchtime on Friday or call 01865 799150.