Christmas pudding, mulled wine and seven miles of Cotswold hills. Hook Norton Harriers have been serving up this unusual festive combination for years, and runners clearly haven't lost their appetite. The 2026 Hooky Christmas Canter is already full, with all available places snapped up by 15 October, almost two months before race day.

The popular Oxfordshire event returns on Sunday 13 December, sending runners on an approximately 7 mile journey through the countryside surrounding Hook Norton. The course is unmeasured and decidedly hilly, combining roads, fields and trails in a challenge where muddy shoes are considerably more likely than personal bests. Fancy dress is encouraged, although entirely optional, and the sight of Christmas characters negotiating the Cotswold countryside has become part of the race's appeal.

There's plenty of history behind the festive silliness. The 2024 event was the 17th running, while the race was already selling out in 2018 and 2019. Demand has only intensified in recent years, with the 2024 places disappearing within days of entries opening. Last year's event continued the fancy dress tradition, with Sue Hunt taking the individual prize and Headington winning the team award.

The Christmas Canter is organised by Hook Norton Harriers, whose members and volunteers have helped establish it as a favourite way to finish the racing year. Mince pies and mulled wine await runners, while Christmas puddings have traditionally provided the prizes for leading competitors.

For those lucky enough to have secured a place, December promises another helping of hills, mud and festive cheer. Everyone else might want to make a note to enter a little earlier next year.

Historical results and news are available via the runABC race hub.

Image courtesy runABC Creative.