SPRINTING SANTAS descended on Weymouth beach today for the town's annual Chase the Pudding race.

Runners took their marks and got off to a flying start at 11am, with many limbering up earlier with the festive warm-up hosted by Window Twankey herself. 

The 5k running event raises money for The Will Mackaness Trust and the festive fun run has been going for a number of years.

Hundreds of Santas, Reindeer and tinsel-decorated pets took on the challenge despite the cold and windy weather, with plenty of family, friends and spectators clapping them as they crossed the finish line.

Pam Govier, organiser of this year's Chase the Pudding race, said: "It’s been absolutely amazing, there must have been at least 200 Santas taking part this year. I’m really grateful for the fantastic help from everyone.

“It’s always enjoyable and fun, it’s great to see them running off into the distance.”

This year's pudding, Luke Voss, said he enjoyed leading the fancy-dress runners in the race along the beach this year.

"It was really good fun; hard work, but it's worth it all in the name of charity. 

"I was caught probably around half way across the beach on the way back, so I had a little bit of time to spare. I'll see if I can join in next year, it was a good day out."

Weymouth and Portland's mayor Kate Wheller attended the event and said: "It's terrific to see, the attendance this year is fantastic. It's really an established part of Christmas celebrations now.

"One of the things I think is great is what a good sport Widow Twankey is warming up with the runners."

Weymouth runner Rob Wood, 26, was the lucky Santa who caught the pudding and won a cash prize.

He will take up the honour of being the pudding at next year’s event. 

He said: "I have been training for triathlon's but it's been a bit of a surprise to win. I hope I'll be good as the pudding next year. It's definitely been a fun event, I have been looking forward to it."

All the winners were rewarded with hot Christmas pudding after the race.