Sunderland Harriers are celebrating the return of their annual Christmas Pudding Run. However, there are a few important changes to the fixture this year, all of which will hopefully lead to a bigger and better event. Firstly it won’t be on Boxing Day and instead will be held the following day (Tuesday 27th December) to avoid a clash with Sunderland’s fixture with Blackburn Rovers.
For those of you who haven't partaken in this seasonal event, it's your chance to give it a try. For those who have enjoyed the event since it was restarted in 2016, here's your chance to have another bash. We are hoping to better the record 68 finishers from 2018. The club committee has decided that due to the current financial circumstances the event will be free to enter with every finisher being awarded a small memento. Those who are able will be able to make a small donation on the day towards the cost of hosting the event.
For those who are unfamiliar with the event it takes the form of a sealed handicap and will be held over the Sunderland 5k course. The sealed handicap was a regular feature of North East road races up to and including the 1960s, before it dwindled out.
The Run is just for fun but can also give you an idea of 5km shape, the event record is 15:12 by Oliver James in 2018. It is open to all Sunderland Harriers and friends of the Club. To be eligible for one of the super prizes, entry must be made before the deadline of Tuesday 20th December.
Final placings will be decided using sealed handicaps which our totally unbiased organisers, no really, calculate in advance, hence the entry deadline. Everyone is in with a chance of winning.
Previous winners are:
2016: John Archer V50 – 27:34 Fastest on the day: Barry Maskell - 16:25
2017: Emily Powell U11 - 25:09 Fastest on the day: Andy Powell – 15:23
2018: Jak Jarvis U13 – 21:47 Fastest on the day: Oliver James - 15:12
2019: Jacob Waterston U13 - 22:45 Fastest on the day: Joe Pomfret - 16:46
2020: Ed Sweeney V55 - 19:15 Fastest on day: Michael Wilson 15:34
2021: Glenn Forster V60 – 22:45 Fastest on day: Stephen Jackson 16:26
The course is the traditional Sunderland Harriers 5k footpath course with the downhill start, circumnavigation of the lakes, and finish on the grassed area near the bridge which crosses the stream; and the Run starts at 10:30am. Please ensure you familiarise yourself with the course before the start as we don’t want anyone going the wrong way!!
One of the highlights of the event is always the presentation in the Cavalier; unfortunately it is no more. Luckily, we have a new and improved venue the Barnes, where you will be able to purchase food and drinks whilst the results are tabulated. This year’s prizes are bigger and better than ever but to receive your prize you must be in there.
"How can I enter?" you ask, well just approach Albert James, Eddie Maddison, or Nathan Reed with your 5km seasons best or best estimate. You can even sign up at the Harriers' Christmas party on Saturday 10th December.
Good Luck!