We all know Christmas is a time for eating, drinking and making merry, but if you want to shift those calories before the big day and have some fun, how about trying one of these events?

You’d better watch out if you’re in Poundbury tomorrow – there’ll be hundreds of santas racing around! This Santa fun run is all in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare and starts at Dorchester Rugby Football Club in Coburg Road from 11am tomorrow, Sunday, December 2. The course is two miles long and your entry fee includes a full Santa suit.

For registration and full details, see Weldmar’s website.

Here’s what to expect:

In Weymouth, puddings, santas and elves will be racing along the beach. Once again, it’s all in aid of a good cause – this time the Will Mackaness Trust, which offers watersports opportunities to the youngsters of Weymouth and Portland.

Chase the Pudding takes place on Sunday, December 16 starting at Weymouth Pavilion with a warm up at 10.45am and the race beginning at 11am. The route is 5km – around three miles – and there is also a 2km run called Chase the Elf for children aged under 14. Once again, the santa suit comes with the registration fee.

Here’s how to register.

Fancy dress runs not your thing? Weymouth parkrun takes place in Lodmoor Country Park every Saturday at 9am and is a 5km run against the clock. Everyone is welcome to go along, whatever their fitness or pace, and it’s free to take part but people are asked to register before turning up on the website.