Weymouth’s annual Chase the Pudding race was a hit again this year as a big crowd watched the fitness and fun spectacle on the beach.
Two hundred people dressed as Santa descended on the beach near the Pavilion yesterday to take part in a 5km run to the stones at Greenhill and back – whilst chasing a Christmas pudding.
There was also a 2km run to chase the elf for anyone under 16.
The run is in memory of Will Mackaness who died in 2008 and raises money for the charity in his name that supports water sports for young people – something Will loved.
Pam Govier, Will’s mum, and one of the event’s organisers, was delighted with the turn out at this year.
She said: “I just think it is amazing. We had an incredible number of people register online beforehand and loads of people have signed up on the day.
“But what is so spectacular, is how everyone has come down to watch on the beach.
“For me it is the beginning of Christmas and a lovely way to celebrate together.”
“Hopefully we will raise £2000, that will be fantastic."
Before the race got underway there were Christmas songs and a dance warm up led by some members of the cast of the Snow White panto production at the Pavilion.
Weymouth’s deputy mayor Alex Fuhrmann and Pam also spoke prior to the race kicking off as they welcomed everyone who turned up to watch.
Cllr Fuhrmann told the Echo: “What a wonderful event. I can’t believe when I walked down there were 200 Santas just popped out of nowhere.
"Spectator-wise it has been great and good to see the positive energy around.
“It has a special place in my heart having taught Will basketball in my younger days, and it’s great to see what Mark and Pam have done to bring up the trust and give opportunities for water sports for young people."
Hundreds of spectators watched as Scott Forbes crossed the line first - he now have to take on the responsibility of being next year’s pudding for the Santas to chase.
He said: “The hardest part about this is when you are running back in a big suit into the wind, it inflates it likes a sail, so as I was running back, I was going slower and slower."
Teresa Green was the first woman to cross the line.
She was shocked at how well she had done when asked about her victory just moments after crossing the line.
Teresa said: “It’s surprising.
“It is good though and it’s always a good event. It's great waving to all the kids along the way - I love it.”
Sam Graham won the under 16 event and will be back next year to be the elf that is chased at what is going to be an extra special race.
Pam added: “Next year will be our tenth year in person, as one year we had to do it virtually, so we are going to make it a really big one.”
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