It is 5,602,103,175 people, 194 countries, 5 continents, and just one night*. It.s simple, but never easy.

While Rudolph and the team do a great job of sleigh pulling it is essential for me to stay in tip top shape. Modern parking restrictions which apply even to sleighs have made the job even more demanding.

I need the strength of an ox and the speed of a cheetah. Negotiating modern chimneys requires the agility of a gymnast. With sneaky young scamps waiting to catch Santa on their camera phones and amorous ladies loitering with mistletoe I have to be as alert as a hawk and maintain the reflexes of a panther.

Being a 21st century Santa is not for the feint hearted or out of shape.

That is why I have launched my Santa Dash series.

Running is essential to my fitness regime, the one that means you get your presents on time. And I decided it was time I let everyone join in the fun.

I visit every one of your homes (well, I do if you have been good) but now Santa Claus is coming to a town near you to race you over 5K.

I don't like to brag but my performance each Christmas Eve speaks for itself. Are you ready to take on the Santa Dash?

* Figures correct as audited for 2005, 2006 awaiting audit, no deliveries to naughty people with naughty defined as failing to reach a score of 75 or more on the official Santa Good-o-meter.

Are you fundraising?

If you're fundriasing, then the best way to do this is by setting up your own fundraising page, and as you are going to become Santa for a day, you can ask your collegaues to sponsor you online via SponsorSanta.com.

What's the S.D.C.C.C?

And before you ask no its not the...

Sahara Desert County Cricket Club or The Sophie Dahl's Colourful Croquet Club or the Salvador Dali Cheese Cutting Convention although there must be several of those around. No the S.D.C.C.C is something far more interesting and ground breaking than that.

It's The Santa Dash Community Christmas Cup!

That sounds interesting? What is it exactly?

This year as well as giving the public an opportunity to run in this festive race we are giving them the opportunity to represent their School, Gym Business, Hospital, Fire Station, Police Station or Ambulance station.

Our aim as well as raising lots of money for The Royal Alexandra hospital for sick children is to create a really positive community event that encourages everyone to get involved.

There will be four cups up for grabs on the day.

So what do I have to do to win one of these cups?

Basically the more people from your school gym or business that enter the run the higher the chance you have of winning one of this years "Brighton Santa Community Christmas Cups".

There will be a cups awarded to the School that has the most Teachers and parents involved. The business that has the highest number of employees involved. The gym that has the highest number of gym members and gym staff involved and a cup awarded to the group of (Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance workers, doctors and nurses) best represented on the day.

How are you going to work out which School, business gym or Emergency service team has won?

It's quite easy really. The week before the race I will need the Headmaster or Mistress, Chief Inspector, MD or head honcho, Gym Manager or self elected team leader to contact me either by email or phone and say something a bit like....

Hi James this is XXXXX from Riptide Fitness Centre, Shoreham Police Station, St Mark's Primary, American Express, Sussex General hospital etc we will have XXX running in This Year's Santa dash.

I'll probably say something like "That's great, see you there!" and once I've put the phone down I'll go over to my special Santa Dash spreadsheet Wall and mark down the numbers I've just be given. It really is that easy.