7:05am Monday 22nd December 2008
A CHRISTMAS pudding led hungry Santas on a chaotic chase along Weymouth seafront to signal the start of the holiday season.
Around 100 festively dressed runners hunted down the elusive pud for lunch and piled up the pounds on their waistlines – and for a good cause.
All entry fees from the 5km fun run, which went from the Pavilion end of the beach to the Greenhill groyne, will go to Dorset children’s hospice Julia’s House.
Teenage pudding Ben Davis, 17, prepared for the quirky race by taking part in mountain bike expeditions.
Ben’s pudding outfit consisted of four cushions, which were strapped to his body as runners battled it out to be the first man and woman to hunt him down for a £50 cash prize.
Organiser Mark Steen said this was the second successful Santa Fun Run held in Weymouth by Bustinskin.
“It was a fantastic atmosphere. We had young kids running and an entrant as old as 82.
“It’s a great chance for everyone to get together and enjoy a Christmas pudding and a drink afterwards,” he said.
The event was supported by RAF Careers, Christmas puddings were supplied by Asda and free drinks were provided by the Dorothy Inn.
Mr Steen, a firefighter, is now taking applications from charities for next year’s fun run.
Mr Steen can be contacted on 07752 902080.
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