Weymouth: Santas race to catch Christmas pudding for charity

Dozens of runners dressed as Santa have raced along a beach to try to catch a Christmas pudding.

The charity race saw about 200 take part in the 5km route along Weymouth beach on Sunday morning.

The event, which also features a shorter 2km "elf race" for children, was held to raise money for the Will Mackaness Trust.

The trust was set up in 2008 in memory of a windsurfer from the town who died of a brain tumour aged 16.

The charity funds and organises water sport activities for young people in Weymouth and Portland.

"We are fortunate to have all the facilities right here on our doorstep, but, all too frequently the cost of the activities is prohibitive," the trust said.

Will's mother Pam Govier, who helped organise the race, said: "Today is about the start of Christmas.... celebrating, raising money for the trust and bringing the town together - I just love it.

"I find it very uplifting seeing all the youngsters getting involved in the water activities and knowing how proud Will would be."

Scott Forbes was the first Santa to cross the finish line, together with the Christmas pudding, in the 5km race from the Pavilion end of Weymouth Beach to the Greenhill and back.

Crossing the line in about 15 minutes he said his Santa suit "inflated like a sail" and it had been "hard work but great fun".

Organisers said at least £2,000 was expected to be raised from the races.

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