Herds of Santas chase Christmas Pudding along Weymouth Beach

The annual Chase the Pudding 5k race is back

Author: George SharpePublished 19th Dec 2021

If you see herds of Santas racing down Weymouth beach - don't worry Christmas hasn't come early.

They're taking part in the annual Chase the Pudding 5k race across Weymouth Beach.

Each year hundreds gather to chase a person dressed up as a Christmas pudding and raise money for the Will Mackaness Trust

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."

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."

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