From snowmen outfits to serious runners, from Santa hats to a sub-39 minute time, there was again no shortage of colour or variety at the annual Christmas Pudding Run in Broad Haven as the occasion was marked by another huge turnout, writes Fraser Watson.
 
Having been taken over by MUUK-Adventures last year, the 10k race was again staged on the first Sunday after Christmas, and 163 entrants took to Broad Haven beach at the later start time of 1.30pm before tackling the famous hill that signifies the course. All runners eventually returned to the sand and crossed the finish line, to be greeted with the gifts of a Christmas pudding and a finishing medal.
 
Many ran for time and position while others dressed up simply to enjoy themselves, and a large crowd again gathered on the roads around the course as MUUK-Adventures owner Fintan Godkin got things underway.
 
It was Max Curtis-Jones who set off quickly and after building an early lead, couldn't be caught as he won the race in a time of 38 minutes and 53 seconds (38:53). Second was Piers Oliphant in 39:23, with Robin Jackson third in 39:49.
 
The leading female was Laura Clements, who came home ninth overall in 41:43, just one place - and 33 seconds - clear of Catherine Marks.
 
"We had very good conditions, even for the spectators, which helped create the atmosphere around Broad Haven,"said Godkin afterwards.
 
"So many people hung around afterwards and that's what you like to see, everyone enjoying the occasion. During the Christmas period people may not have trained a lot but they still all came out and got into the spirit of things. That was very pleasing."





 

 
Top 10:
1: Max Curtis-Jones, 38:53.
2: Piers Oliphant, 39:23.
3: Robin Jackson (male 40-49 winner), 39:49.
4: Paul Whitaker (male 50-59 winner), 40:12.
5: Timothy Plumb, 40:41.
6: Tom Sinton, 41:07.
7: Martin Driscoll, 41:26.
8: John Griffiths, 41:35.
9: Laura Clements (female winner), 41:43.
10: Catherine Marks (female 40-49 winner), 42:16.
 
 
Other winners:
48: Martina Morgan (female 50-59 winner), 52:49.
56: Pete King (male 60 and over winner), 53:53.