RUNNERS are invited to sign-up now for the popular annual charity Hindhead Boxing Day Run, which gets under way at the Devil’s Punchbowl.

Participants have the choice of the standard run or can opt for the drinking run where a pint of winter ale is served at mile two.

Each run has a men’s category and a women’s category. More than 500 runners competed last year in the 3.5-mile run, which will raise money for Holy Cross Hospital, in Haslemere.

Holy Cross provides specialist care for men and women with very complex needs, often caused by profound brain injuries or serious neurological conditions.

The funds raised by the Boxing Day Run will go towards the hospital’s Never Out of Breath project, which aims to install a new system to pipe oxygen and suction straight to patients’ rooms rather than relying on heavy cylinders.

The work to fit out its 40 rooms with piped services has already started.

Never Out of Breath is a complex project, and its planning and design has taken over two years.

The fundraising target is £200,000 of which an initial £150,000 has come from past donations.

At any one time, up to half of the 40 patients at Holy Cross Hospital may need oxygen or suction or both and all may need these vital services at times during their stay.

Haslemere resident Matt Dellar, who organises the event each year to support the hospital, said: “The great thing about the Boxing Day Run is that it’s a really fun event. Getting out in the fresh air and our beautiful countryside to burn off those extra calories while raising money for an amazing local charity is the perfect antidote to the stresses and excesses of Christmas.

“It’s easy to register to take part on our website at www.boxingdayrun.org.

The run costs from just £10 to enter in advance or £11 on the day – and every penny of the profits goes to Holy Cross.

All runners will receive a number and timing chip so for serious runners, it’s a chance to aim for one last competitive time in 2016, while for others it’s an achievable distance that also promises to be a fun sociable event.”

The route begins at the Devil’s Punchbowl Hotel, at 11am on Monday, December 26, and takes runners through local beauty spots at Hindhead Commons, including Gibbet Hill and the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

The event concludes at midday with a prize-giving ceremony and everyone who completes the race will be presented with a medal.

Holy Cross chief executive Chris Hinton said: “We are extremely grateful to Matt for giving up his time to organise the Boxing Day Run, and to Keats estate and letting agents for being a long-term sponsor of the race.

“I would also like to thank Haslemere Travel, the Hog’s Back Brewery and Sportslocker for their support in helping this popular event to happen.

“The money raised by previous year’s Boxing Day runs has brought huge benefits to our patients.

“Piping oxygen and suction will give our patients the security of a continuous supply.

“It also means our rooms are homelier, with less medical equipment on show, and frees up our nursing staff to do what they do best, which is caring for patients rather than changing heavy cylinders.”

• It is recommended runners register in advance as entry on the day will be subject to availability.

For more information about the run visit www.box ingdayrun.org and to find out more about Holy Cross Hospital, at Shottermill, visit www.holycross.org.uk