WEYMOUTH is preparing to chase the pudding.

Families are invited to take a break from Christmas shopping as hundreds of runners dressed as Santas, fairies and other festive characters chase a ‘pudding’ along the beach.

It’s become a huge festive event for the town, supporting the Will Mackaness Trust. This year it will be held on Sunday, December 18.

Everyone is invited to go along to cheer and support this colourful festive event which begins with a warm-up at 10.45am ahead of the main race at 11am. (Registration is from 9.30am)

Anyone can enter. The course is approximately 5km from the Weymouth Pavilion end of the beach to the groyne at Greenhill and back. Entry is £10 (£15 with Santa suit included). All race entries and event sponsorship will go to the Will Mackaness Trust.

This year there is also a ‘chase the elf’ event running for under 14s. This will start five minutes after the chase the pudding race, and will be half the length of the main race. Entry fees are £5.

Pam Govier, Will Mackaness Trust Director, said: “We are aiming to build on the success of previous years with a bumper festive atmosphere on the beach with the wonderful sight of hundreds of Santas chasing after the pudding and elf.

“Santas and supporters will be entertained in the Pavilion Ocean Room by Ed Hintze playing carols for when the runners register and return from the chase. Christmas stalls and a raffle will also be available.

“If anyone is interested in having a stall please could they email me at govierp@weyvalley.dorset.sch.uk. Come along to help us create a truly memorable experience.”

Mark Steen, Director of BustinSkin, said: “I am delighted that local charity Will Mackaness Trust has taken a lead role in this event; it is a very worthwhile cause. I am sure that the event will be well supported by many local running clubs, family and friends for this hilarious, happy and healthy festive event.”

Jeff Cant, Leader of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “The event is well known in the borough as being a festive favourite.Local events like these help raise awareness and money for countless worthwhile charities across the borough. The council is always happy to provide support to the event and I encourage everyone to go down to the seafront on December 18 to cheer on the runners.”

For full entry and registration details, visit: willmackanesstrust.org.uk/christmas-pudding-race