It was another successful outing for the 36th Cheddleton 10K Christmas Pudding Race, smoothly organised by Stan Winterton and the Cheddleton Local Committee with all proceeds to Cancer Research UK. This event is well supported by the local running community who enjoy the challenging course and luxury Christmas Pudding at the finish.

The course record for the 10K is 30:42, set by Clifton Bradeley of Sub-4 in 1987. Matt Clowes attempted to beat it last year but failed by only 9 seconds, finishing in 30:51. The women’s course record of 35:57 was also open for competition.

There was a 2 Mile Fun Run for all ages at 13.40pm followed by the 10K at 2pm. The 10K consisted of three, traffic-free laps on hilly country lanes around the village of Cheddleton and the local community braved the cold to applaud everyone’s efforts.

Daniel Soltys of Stone MM won in 33:43 and received a trophy, cash, Christmas pudding, and, a rather large Christmas cake that weighed around 3.4kg! Dean Richardson of Stoke AC was second in 33:54 and Carl Moulton of Boalloy RC third in 34:27.

Tasty running by Sarah Johnson of Thames Valley Harriers saw her take the women’s title in 37:50. Deborah Thomas of Trentham RC took second in 40:13 with Amy Neill of Newcastle (Staffs) AC taking third in 40:28.

Daniel’s next challenge is working his way through that Christmas cake with a little help from his friends.

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale