But there is the added bonus of helping Hunter children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs in the process.

The annual Santa fun run, which is a five-kilometre event around Newcastle Foreshore, will this year be staged on November 27.

Variety Regional Director Jason Bourke has encouraged Novocastrians to turn out in force to show their support for local families.

“Funds raised through this year’s Santa Fun Run will go toward Variety’s new case management service in Newcastle which supports local families who have a child with a rare illness, so we encourage as many Santas as possible to take on the challenge this year,” Mr Bourke said.

Bourke said the emphasis was on fun with no pressure to run the 5km. He said participants could run, walk, push or roll their way around the flat and fully accessible course.

Sydney mother Natalie Dillenbeck knows the impact events like the Variety Santa Fun Run can have on families with sick children.

Her daughter Lila was born with a rare disease called CHARGE Syndrome. The condition has left her deaf in both ears and with no balance. She also has low muscle tone and is vision impaired.

Variety provided Lila with a grant to pay for occupational therapy sessions and within two months she was up on her feet and walking with the assistance of her parents.

“Some people don’t realise that there is very little funding available for a child with special needs and, without Variety supporters, she wouldn’t be making the leaps and bounds that she is and we are forever grateful,” Mrs Dillenbeck said.

Registrations for the Variety Santa Fun Run are now open and can be made through www.varietysantafunrun.com.au.

Entry fees includes a five-piece Santa suit.

There will be live entertainment at the start and finish lines, music along the course, snow at the start line and post-event photo opportunities with Santa at Honeysuckle Hotel.