The weather outside might have been frightful (as in cold and wet) but the running was delightful at the Chasewater Christmas Pudding Dash 10K & 5K (Sunday 4 December). Participants were feeling festive as they ran 10K or 5K followed by a seasonal medal and goodies. 

You know the countdown has begun when the Chasewater Christmas Pudding Dash takes place with a choice of 10K and 5K plus a Children’s Santa Dash. All of this was served up by organisers Nice Work at Chasewater Country Park in Burntwood, Staffordshire and enjoyed by all. 

None of the white stuff on the day; instead, grey skies, damp and cold conditions at the 90 hectare country park with plenty of open space and a range of water sports which makes it a popular visitor attraction. This race is popular too with entries selling out in both the 10K and 5K.  

Runners, many wearing fancy dress, gathered outside the Innovation Centre on a chilly Sunday morning ready for the 10.30am start. They headed off to the sound of cheers and ran a short loop around the centre before continuing around the reservoir where they completed two laps for 10K or one lap for 5K. An added bonus was seeing the steam train from Chasewater Railway along the way. 

James Pickering of Lichfield RC won the 10K in 35:40 followed by Jasper Hall in 35:54 and James Price in 36:08. 

Natasha Coxon was the women’s winner in 42:58. It was close for second and third with Jackie Morton the runner up in 43:48 followed by Emma Waldron in 43:50. 

In the 5K, Luke White was first home in 19:31. Scott Stokes was second in 21:19 and Jake McMullan third in 22:51. 

Georgie Chetwood was the winning female in 25:58. Amelia Dungey was second in 27:11 and Leanne Davies third in 27:33. 

All the results from both races can be found via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page.    
         
The Christmas themed medal, Christmas pudding and mince pie went down a treat with finishers as a sweet reward for their efforts.

Image courtesy of Tammy PS.