A festive fun run is returning to the streets of Ammanford this weekend with the help of familiar face.

Following on from the success of last year’s event, Ammanford Kids Santa Race is taking place this Sunday, December 17 at 9am.

The route is 1.3km and will begin at Ammanford Park, down Tirydail Lane and Talbot Road before heading back to the park.

The race is aimed at children up to the age of 11 and they can either run, walk or scooter.

Small children can be pushed in pushchairs and adults may accompany children free of charge.

This year, former Ysgol Dyffryn Aman pupil and London marathon phenomenon Josh Griffiths will be leading the race.

Josh, 24, made his marathon debut in April this year with a recorded time of 2:14.19 and sealed the qualifying time for the World Championships.

Speaking to The Guardian ahead of the event, Josh said: “A lot of people have helped me along the way.

“I went to school in Ammanford and have spent a lot of time training on a track in the town.

“I guess it’s a nice opportunity for me to give something back to the community and if my journey has inspired even one person to take up athletics, then it’s definitely worthwhile.

“The first two weeks after the marathon were all very new, but since then the media attention died down and I got back to training.

“I do get recognised a little bit more in the shop and stuff.

“A couple of kids shouted my name by the park I run by – it’s quite funny.”

“Hopefully we will see a good turnout next weekend.”

Event organiser Polly Powell, of Race Arches UK, is passionate about getting children into exercise and has decided this year to collaborate with Ammanford Town Council with all proceeds going towards purchasing defibrillators for the town.

Polly has worked closely with the local businesses and every child who finishes will get a medal, donated by Race Arches UK, and a goodie bag worth over £25 in vouchers and gifts.

She said: “I’m so pleased with the feedback from last year’s race. To see the children’s smiley faces as they crossed the finish line was priceless so we had to do it again this year.

“We are so excited at Race Arches UK to find out that local marathon runner Josh Griffiths has decided to give up his spare time early on a Sunday morning to come along and lead the children out at the start of this year’s race.

“It is so awesome and inspiring for all the children. We are so lucky.”

“We have increased the capacity of the race this year to 300 tickets, and once they are all sold out that’s it, so I advise people to book tickets now. I would also like to thank all the local businesses for their generosity so far.”

To book a place online, visit bit.ly/santarace