Thousands of people are expected to take part in the third edition of the President’s Fun Run that will take place in December to raise funds for charity and awareness about healthy living.

The event will be held on December 4, which leaves people over six weeks to start training to build their stamina to join in and help raise funds for the Malta Community Chest Fund, President George Abela said.

The fun run, themed I Will for Charity, is organised as part of the events leading up to the annual Boxing Day fundraiser L-Istrina. Dr Abela said the event served a double beneficial purpose: it encouraged people to exercise and be healthy and also helped raise funds for charity.

He said the first fun run, sponsored by Banif Bank, attracted some 5,000 people that increased to 8,000 last year. The goal was to attract even more people this year.

As with previous years the run will start at the San Anton Palace in Attard and end in St George’s Square in Valletta. Participants will pass through Birkirkara and Ħamrun. Those who prefer to walk can join in at the Fleur-de-Lys roundabout.

Those who wish to register for the event can collect a form from any Banif Bank outlet, from the MCCF offices at San Anton or the President’s Palace in Valletta or by visiting www.funrun.org.mt.

Registration costs €10 and those who register will be given a fun run T-shirt and a bib bearing their participation number as well as a certificate signed by Dr Abela.