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Santas, elves, fairies and many other fabulous festive characters will gather together on Weymouth Beach to take part in the annual Chase the Pudding Event (Weymouth Pavilion end) on Sunday 20 December.

Everybody is invited to come along cheer and support this colourful festive event on Weymouth seafront starting at 11am, with warm-up and `Santa Stretch’ from 10.45am.

Event organisers were delighted with last year’s event and aim for a big turnout again this year, raising lots of money for this popular local charity the Will Mackaness Trust.

Everyone is invited to enter the event. The course is approximately 5km from the Weymouth Pavilion end of the beach to The Groyne at Greenhill and back again.
Entry fees are £10 for adults (£15 with Santa suit included) and under 10s go free with a family member. All race entries and event sponsorship will go to the Will Mackaness Trust.

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

Will Mackaness Trust Director Pam Govier said: “We are hoping to build on the success of previous years and aim to create a bumper festive atmosphere on the beach with the wonderful sight of hundreds of Santas chasing after the pudding. Santas and supporters will be entertained in the Pavilion Ocean Room by Ed Hintze playing Christmas carols for when the runners register and return from the chase. Mulled wine, minced pies, Christmas stalls and a raffle will also be available.

“If anyone is interested in having a stall please could they contact me on 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.”

Jason Osborne, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s Tourism and Culture Briefholder, said:
“The chase the pudding event is a fun event well known in the borough as being a festive favourite.

“Local events like this generate pride, awareness and help raise money for countless charities and good causes throughout the area. The council is thrilled to support Chase the Pudding and would encourage everyone to go down to the seafront on 20 December to support this great festive treat.”

Registration is from 9.30am in the Weymouth Pavilion Ocean Room followed by a warm up from 10.45am by fitness trainer Gina Hatley. Competitors and spectators are welcome to use the pavilion bars and cafes which are open from 10am to 4pm for refreshments with lots of warming and delicious food and drink on offer.

This year’s Chase the Pudding will be started by Wessex FM breakfast presenter James O’Neill along with Weymouth & Portland Mayor Cllr Christine James and stars from this year’s Pavilion Theatre Pantomime.