MORE than 700 runners got the festive season off to a racing start as they took part in the ever popular 10K Langdale Christmas Pudding run.

The event, which is a fundraiser for Ambleside youth charity Brathay Trust, saw the runners set off from the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in the damp and mist last Saturday morning.

They followed a route through the Great Langdale Valley before returning to the hotel via Chapel Stile, Elterwater and Bayesbrown Woods before returning.

Many of the runners wore Christmas costumes and included a team of pigs in blankets and three kings as bears, and all those who crossed the finish line received a Christmas pudding provided by sponsors Sainsburys in Kendal.

Race winner was Pete Harrison of Helm Hill Runners in a time of 34:51 closely followed by Sarah McCormack who repeated her overall second place race position of last year, but this time setting a course record time of 35:33.

It was the end of a great year of racing for the Ambleside AC runner who recently won the World Mountain Running Association World Cup.

Alongside the main event, the rebranded Gingerbread 3K was held for a second year with 33 runners aged five-years plus taking part, and all received a gingerbread biscuit.

The Gingerbread 3K was superbly organised by Langdale Primary School who also provided teas and coffees as a school fundraiser, and Brathay hope to expand the event for 2020.

“The Christmas Pudding 10K would not be possible without some fantastic support,” said Brathay’s 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."

Mr Umpleby said a busy programme of 2020 events were already planned, beginning in May with the Brathay 10in10, ASICS Windermere Marathon and Brathay 5K.

For details of all Brathay’s challenge events visit: https://www.brathaychallenges.com.