Burton Christmas Pudding 10k
THE lure of a Christmas Pud proved decisive as Richard Simms headed into deepest, darkest Dorset to take part in Christchurch Runners' Burton Christmas Pudding 10km race.
The event is amazingly sold out months in advance once entries have reached the 800 limit.
This year's race was a windswept affair. The rain held off for the actual race, although a sudden downpour just before the off, left everyone soaked, including Stubbington's supporter of the year, Julie Simms.
Richard finished 137th in a time of 44min 31sec and admitted: "My preparation was not the best having attended out works Christmas outing the night before. I was feeling a little bit jaded."
Poole Runners' Willard Chinhanhu won the race in a time of 32.21 followed by Southampton Running Club's Andy Morgan-Lee in 32.31. Kath Bailey from Winchester & District AC was the leading lady in 36.21.
They, along with Richard, all returned home with a tasty Christmas pud for their efforts.