A FUN run with a difference is being held in Cradley this winter as Homer Hill Park is the location of a torchlight Christmas-themed event.

All members of the public – regardless of fitness levels – are being invited to take part in the run which will help raise money for the park’s much needed exercise equipment as well as for the nearby St Peter’s Church.

Runners can also use the event, which will be split into a 1km children’s run (for under 12s) and a 5km adults race (for over 12s), to raise their own sponsorship for a charity of their choice.

Alongside the run, which will take place from 6pm on Saturday November 25, the event will also include Christmas music, lights, cake, mulled wine, mince pies and a barbecue.

Councillor Richard Body, event organiser, is urging people to sign up to the run soon, as places are limited to 100 people in the children’s race and 200 places in the adult’s race.

Cllr Body said: “I think it will be the first ever torchlight fun run in the whole of Dudley borough so we want as many people as possible to come along.

“We’ve got a lovely park here in Cradley and the fun run is a great opportunity for us to make use of the running track, which is fully accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs, to help raise money for the worthwhile causes.

“People who might not want to take part in the run can still turn up on the night to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere as well as the food on sale and the community stalls.”

The chairman of the Friends of Homer Hill Park group added: “We are all looking forwards to what should be a great evening of fun.”

Pre-registration is compulsory and can be done online by searching for Friends of Homer Hill Park on Facebook.

Entry to the children’s race is free, but every child must have an adult enter alongside them, with adult and over 12s entry into the timed adult’s race costing £5.

Every entrant – who will require to either carry a hand held torch or wear a head torch – will receive a special medal, while those finishing in first, second or third will also be rewarded with chocolate.