Christmas 2010 seems to be the year of festive-themed races with more tinsel-tastic events taking place across the UK than you can shake a seasonal stick at. Here’s our pick of the bunch.


Scotland

Edinburgh Christmas 5k Run 2010
Inverleith Park, Endinburgh
Sunday 5th December, 11am

This event took place for the first time last year and runners reported a wonderfully friendly and festive atmosphere. The race starts and finishes at Inverleith park and takes a picturesque route through the parkland, past the botanical gardens and over the river Leith. There’s active fun for all family with a Santa Toddle for under sixes; one, two, and three mile Tinsel Walks; and a six mile Christmas Walk taking place from the park throughout the day. Festive dress is encouraged at all, so don’t forget your Santa suit.
More info and entry details.


Northern England

The Stroke Association Reindeer Run 5k 2010
Sunday 28th November, 9.45am
Stockeld Park, Wetherby, West Yorkshire

You don't need to go to Lapland this year for a true Christmas experience. Visitors to Stockeld Park in Wetherby will see illuminated unicorns frolicking in an enchanted forest, while angels glow on the beautiful lake. People skate on the rink nearby, surrounded by towering trees and in the distance the snowflake maze is filled with happy chatter. Inside the warmth people sip on hot chocolate while others visit Santa in his magical grotto. Every participant in the Reindeer Run will receive free antlers and a medal for taking part and we're encouraging the more adventurous to dress up in festive outfits.
For more info and entry details.

 


The Midlands

Moreton Morrell Christmas Cracker 10k 2010
Moreton Morrell Centre, Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire
Saturday 11th December, 11am          

Front runners will enjoy the challenge of chasing down the two super-fast Santas (male and female) to win a £50 prize along with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. But if you’re not speedy enough to be among the first across the line you could still be bag a prize by running the best fancy dress outfit. But, of course, everyone’s a winner who takes part in an event like this – not just because it’s a great multi-terrain course through beautiful Warwickshire countryside, but also because there’s a Christmas pud for every finisher.
More info and entry details.

 


Southern England

The Pudding Catcher 12k 2010
Pippingford Park, Nutley, East Sussex
Sunday 12th December, 10am

This 12k multi-terrain race features festive cheer and a happy ending for all except the pudding. The pudding is a mysterious votwo elite athlete hindered only by the fact he or she is dressed as a Christmas pudding. First competitor to catch the pudding wins £100 in cash. The pudding will have a few seconds head start and is determined not to get caught. Pippingford Park near Crawley provides a stunning off road course on rough tracks, through fields and on forest trails. There’ll be a free bowl of hot Christmas pudding and custard waiting for all finishers.
More info and entry details.

 


Wales

 BHF Cardiff Santa Jog 5k
Bute Park, Cardiff
Sunday 5th December, 12.30pm

Fancy joining a thousand-strong Santa-clan festive throng in Cardiff’s Bute park this December? Over 1000 Santa’s took part in last year’s event year and the British Heart Foundation are expecting at least as many St Nick’s in the 2010 race, so Bute Park looks set to be engulfed in a sea of red and white. All ages and abilities are welcome. Adult entry includes a free Santa suit and kids are encouraged to wear their own fancy dress to run, jog, or walk the course.
More info and entry details.

 

 

There are lots more fantastic festive races taking place this December, take a look at The Running Bug events listings to find one near you.