Festive runners get season off to a racing start, undeterred by the cold and wet.

Over 700 runners got the festive season off to a racing start as they took part in a 10K Langdale Christmas Pudding run, organised by us as a fundraiser for our work with young people.

Setting off in the damp and mist on Saturday (7 Dec) they followed a route through the Great Langdale Valley starting and ending at the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. The runners passed through Chapel Stile, Elterwater and Bayesbrown Woods before returning. All those who crossed the finish line received a Christmas pudding provided by sponsors Sainsburys in Kendal.

Many of the runners wore Christmas costumes and included a team of pigs in blankets and three kings as bears.

The race winner was Pete Harrison of Helm Hill Runners in a time of 34:51 closely followed by Sarah McCormack of Ambleside AC, who repeated her overall second place race position of last, but this time setting a course record time of 35:33. It was the end of a great year of racing for Sarah who recently won the World Mountain Running Association World Cup.

The rebranded Gingerbread 3K was held for a second year with 33 runners aged 5-years plus taking part and all of them receiving a gingerbread biscuit. Langdale Primary School helped to organise the run and provided teas and coffees as a school fundraiser. We hope to grow this event further for 2020.

“The Christmas Pudding 10K would not be possible without the fantastic support provided by our volunteers,” said our Race Director and Head of Fundraising Scott Umpleby.

“Many friends of Brathay braved the weather to ensure all runners had a fun, safe and memorable run. All Brathay Running events raise funds to support our work with disadvantaged children and young people. It’s fantastic to see so many people challenging themselves in the beautiful Lake District. We really appreciate all the different ways people help by running, sponsoring and volunteering.

“We already planning our events for 2020, beginning in May with the Brathay 10in10, ASICS Windermere Marathon and Brathay 5K,” added Scott.