A popular night-time charity 5km fun run is returning to Southampton Common.
Last year, 750 participants joined in the Dash in the Dark, raising £30,000 for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
Since the first event, more than £150,000 has been raised - enough to fund 45 life-saving missions.
READ MORE: Bid to catch Weston Shore swan killer with £2,000 reward
Participants of all ages are encouraged to light up the night with their brightest clothes, funkiest fancy dress, neon face-paints and fluorescent glow-sticks on Saturday, September 21.
Runners and walkers of all abilities can take part in this family-friendly event, with every penny raised helping the charity to treat the most critically ill and injured patients in the region during air ambulance rescue missions.
Participants include Dean and Logan-James who are running in support of their son and brother, 15-year-old Tyler Dodsworth, who sustained critical injuries when he was hit by a car outside his school in Tidworth in 2023.
Dean Tilley said: “My son is very lucky to be here. We are so grateful for the fast response of the air ambulance and their great efforts to make sure my son was stable enough to be flown to hospital.
"Without them, I hate to write, it would have been a totally different outcome. So I feel like we owe them a lot, and I will continue to support and fundraise for them at every chance I get.”
Keith Wilson, from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, added: “We have been night flying since January 2016.
"Last year, 29 per cent (534) of our emergency calls happened under the cover of darkness. It is only thanks to our dedicated wave of supporters from events such as Dash in the Dark that we can be there for those who need our help.
"A huge thank you to everyone who continues to champion this event and our charity, helping us save lives every day.”
The route is softly lit and paved throughout, though head torches are recommended.
Check in on the night will open at 6pm. The warm-up will start at 7pm, with the 5km dash beginning at 7.15pm, as darkness falls.
Participants will receive a glow-in-the-dark medal at the finish line.
Adult tickets cost £20 with children at £16.
Register at register.enthuse.com/ps/event/SouthamptonDashintheDark
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here