Hundreds of festive runners set to ‘Chase the Pud’ in York

The event will raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) – a cause close to organiser Vicky Hearson – and will take place on Sunday (December 7).

The day will see the runners – adorned in Santa suits – chasing this year’s Christmas pudding.

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One organiser, Paul Ellison, said: “I’ve been volunteering with the York branch of the BHF for nearly 13 years now.

“It’s such an honour to be able to support this charity and its much-loved Chase the Pud event.”

The annual Chase the Pub event will see hundreds coming together, dressed as Santas, running after the pud and the pie in order to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (Image: Supplied)

‘The cause is deeply personal’

He said: “The event’s enduring success is largely due to the extraordinary commitment of one inspiring individual: Vicky Henderson, the driving force and Event Coordinator for the BHF York Volunteers.

“Vicky is the heart and soul of the event, embodying the resilience and dedication of the BHF’s mission.

“For Vicky (and many of the other volunteers) the cause is deeply personal.

“Vicky’s motivation stems from her daughter Scarlett’s early battle with a serious heart condition.

“It was a challenging journey, but thankfully her daughter is well today.

“Vicky credits the support of her family, the excellent care provided by the NHS, and the crucial support and research funded by charities like the British Heart Foundation.”

The pud and the pie are set to dust off their costumes this Sunday (Image: Supplied)

The fundraiser is open to everyone of all ages and abilities, who can take part in the traditional five-kilometre Chase the Pud, a faster, timed event covering a distance of 10 kilometres, or a three-kilometre funrun where Santa’s can run, jog or walk while chasing a Mince Pie.

The latter will be launched by the Lord Mayor of York on the day.

All races will begin at 10.30am, with registration starting from 9am.

Around £3,000 was raised for the BHF last year – despite York being hit by a storm.

Vicky, Paul and the team of event organisers are hoping to raise a little more through Sunday’s event and have set up a fundraising page to collect donations from supporters who cannot be there on the day.

For more information, please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/chasethepud2025.