News Beat
Hundreds of Santas Chase the Pud at York Racecourse
The runners set off as part of the annual Chase the Pud event at York Racecourse on Sunday (December 7) for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
They formed a sea of red across the racecourse as they chased after the Puds – two runners dressed as giant Christmas puddings.
Organiser Vicky Hearson said around 300 people took part in the 3km and 10km runs and £4,000 was expected to be raised for the charity.
Vicky has been involved with the event for more than 15 years and said she joined after her daughter, Scarlet, had open heart surgery when a baby.
“Everyone that volunteers has got a link to the British Heart Foundation in some way,” she said. “They’ve either suffered from heart conditions themselves or know someone who has, so it’s very personal to people.”
Vicky added that the event will be returning for 2026.
Nicky Cockerill, a physiotherapist at York Hospital and BHF volunteer, led the runners in a warmup before they set off.
“It’s just amazing,” she said of the event, which she has been part of for more than 15 years. “Whatever the weather, it just gives you warmth that this is a community space making a difference.
“I’m very happy to be here, and it’s good fun for volunteers.
“It’s hard work for the team behind the scenes but it’s so worth it.
“We’re fortunate to still have this race going on year after year.”
The Lord Mayor of York, Martin Rowley, saw the runners off on the start line.
“What’s brilliant about this is that it’s festive,” he said. “To have over 200 Santas bearing down on you at the start and finish line is quite daunting really.
“But as they chase the pudding, it brings that fun element.”
Chris Poulton dressed as a Christmas pudding to lead the Santas in the 10km race.
It was his third year in a row being the pudding and he hoped aiming for a time of under 40 minutes would allow him to escape the pack.
But Chris was caught just before the final corner of the track.
He ran the race while keeping an eye on the hundreds of Santas hot on his tail. “That is quite terrifying,” Chris laughed.
Lisa Falzon, from Harrogate, took part in the 3km fun run with her husband and children, aged five and eight.
She said her children were “so excited” to take part in the race, adding: “When daddy put his costume on they said, ‘Daddy’s Santa!’”
