Running: Adams breaks Great Langdale Christmas Pudding record (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Running: Adams breaks Great Langdale Christmas Pudding record

9:10am Thursday 15th December 2011 in Sport By Patrick O'Kane, Senior News/Sport Reporter

ULVERSTON’s Lizzie Adams set a new course record in the women’s Great Landgale Christmas Pudding 10km race at the weekend.

Adams lowered the previous record held by Leeds athlete Susan Partridge by almost 35 seconds as she rounded the Lake District route in 33.17.

With two races being run, one on Saturday and one on Sunday, the other women’s winner was Kathleen Aubrey from Helm Hill.

Steve Littler from Wesham Road Runners strode to victory in the men’s race, as did James Douglas from Border Harriers as increasing numbers means the race has to be held over two days for health and safety reasons.

Since it began 24 years ago, when just 38 runners signed up, participation has risen and risen and this year 902 runners - a mix of fun runners and serious athletes - headed out on the route, with 700 finishing.

All runners received mince pies and a Christmas pudding after the race to mark their involvement.

Organiser Rod Berry said: “We were dreading having to cancel it after last year but the conditions were perfect and it was amazing to have so many runners involved.”