Pudding Catcher

December and January are not the best months for finding a running event. Strangely enough race directors must think the cold and rain would put people off. Well probably right but now they've got a way of keeping events popular by adding the Christmas theme.

While you'll find many a fun runner competing in the short distance events over the Christmas period in a fancy Santa outfit this event went one stage further with a great extra feature.

 

The race is orientated around an elite athlete who wearing a Christmas pudding outfit and with the benefit of only a 60 second head start has to complete the 12km course before any other competitors catch him or her. The first person to catch up with the athlete then receives a £100 prize.

Needless to say I didn’t catch up to the athlete and was thankful I didn’t get lapped by him!

However I did get a small reminder of what is to come in future events. With my standard running shoes (designed to keep your feet cool and well ventilated on a normal day) I found that the cold morning meant very cold feet within minutes of getting out of the car at the start of the event.

The organisers had a great location with the YMCA Fairthorne Manor grounds making a beautiful setting and with the giant Marquee any chance of rain would have meant competitors would be able to stay dry before and after the event.

The grounds also made a great place for the run with the variety of terrains through the woods and around the grassed open spaces.

Adding to the enjoyment of the day and instead of a medal (although the medal does make a nice reminder - food doesn't normal last as long, with me!) the finishers where rewarded with a Christmas pudding and custard. Although due to the popularity of this and there only being a small number of microwaves for the finishers to heat up the puddings I choose to head for the warmth of the car and a chance to defrost my toes! Roll on Antarctica.