A long-standing festive race in Staffordshire will take centre stage for what could be the final time this December. The Sneyd Christmas Pudding Run will return on 8 December but it is unknown if it will return at all in 2025, organisers, Sneyd Striders Running Club have said: "Online entries are now open for this year’s 38th and final Christmas Pudding Run in its current format. Sadly Sneyd Community Association is closing at the end of 2024 so make sure you are part of our final event."

The Pudding Run sees participants complete 5 or 10 miles around Bloxwich on paths and roads. Some will go big or go home from the outset; others happy to take their time and enjoy the day with friends or teammates. There are trophies and cash prizes for the top three men and women and vet category winners in the 10 miler; 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female in the 5 miler.

Please don't forget the Fancy Dress prize - fancy dress is an important aspect of race day with people running in a variety of costumes in keeping with the theme. Just check out the photo above!

After the racing is done, runners can expect to be rewarded with a selection of gifts - just in time for Christmas. Runners can expect a medal, t-shirt, Christmas pudding and goody bag.

The races attract a good mix of runners, many from local clubs, who lap up the course, atmosphere and support from marshals and spectators. There were around 600 runners taking part across the two distances in 2023 with the ten mile race being won by Jim Hickinbottom of Shrewsbury AC in 55:23, first female was fellow Shrewsbury AC athlete, Lauren Cooper in 1:02:03.

In the five mile race Mitch Blundell took the top spot in 27:35 with Samantha Watters of Birchfield Harriers winning in the women's race with a time of 34:51.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Sneyd Striders RC website.

Image: Sneyd Striders