Weymouth's Chase the Pudding Race returns this December
It's time to put on your Santa costume and get your running shoes on for the Chase The Pudding Race along Weymouth Beach
Santas, elves, pantomime dames and many other fabulous festive characters will gather on the Pavilion end of Weymouth beach to take part in the annual Chase the Pudding race on Sunday 19th December.
The event raises funds for the Will Mackaness Trust, whose aim is to give more water sport opportunities to the youngsters of Weymouth and Portland.
It's in memory of Will Mackaness, a teenager who went to Wey Valley School, who loved water sports and who died of a brain tumour in 2008.
Pam Govier, Will Mackaness Trust Director said:
"Will was a fantastic young man, so full of life, even when he had his brain tumour aged 12.
"He just carried on doing all the water sports which he loved, that's why the Will Mackaness Trust is set up to give water sport opportunities to youngsters from Weymouth and Portland.
"I think he would love Chase the Pudding. He always used to love Christmas. It fills my heart with joy when I think about it, and I know Will would have felt the same."
The Chase the Pudding race is approximately 5km and is from the Pavilion end of the beach to the groyne at Greenhill and back again.
Registration for the race is from 9.30am in Weymouth Pavilion’s Ocean Room, followed by a warm-up on the beach at 10.45am, with the race starting at 11am.
The Chase the Elf race for under 14s will start five minutes after the Chase the Pudding race and is a 2km race to the Pier Bandstand and back.
Cllr Colin Huckle, Mayor of Weymouth, said: “The Chase the Pudding event is a brilliant spectacle and is firmly established as a festive favourite in Weymouth. I would encourage everyone to go down to the seafront to cheer on the runners and enjoy the festivities.”
Pam added:
"We're really looking forward to seeing all the Santas and elves back on Weymouth beach, it's such a delight to see everyone joining together for some festive fun in aid of the Will Mackaness Trust."