Boxing Day Pudding Run, 26th December 2025

Trying to cram in as many runs as possible before the end of the year, Lynne Cornell was at it again:

“This is definitely a favourite run of mine. Organised by North Shields Poly with the proceeds from the run split equally between themselves and Woodlawn School.

Unsurprisingly it sold out, so this year there were no on the day entries. With a pudding tea cosy on my head (I knew it would come in useful one day) I arrived at Whitley Bay War Memorial area to collect my number and then like many others, headed to the Beefeater, who provided a warm space for runners to keep warm as well as use of their toilets. There I met Holly who I thought was very brave in shorts as I thought it was a bit cool outside to say the least, plus I wanted to give my Santa leggings another run out.

I stayed at the Beefeater until the last minute then headed over to the start area near the War Memorial. It was packed full of Christmas costumes – unlike Chopwell I didn’t see Tarzan or a mermaid. Then we were off – 1st heading north along the top path, similar to parkrun, then down to the front and headed south along the promenade until a loop down at Cullercoats and then back north to the finish line, also near the War Memorial.

At the end every runner receives a pudding -Christmas or sponge. Whilst everyone gets a race number it isn’t a timed event. It’s lovely to see so many people running and enjoying being part of it. Some great costumes and the organisation and marshals were excellent as ever.

Met up with Steve and some friends who had come to watch and who had a cup of tea ready for me in the Beefeater. This year the pudding was given to our friend who apparently had missed out on Christmas Day!”

Also taking part were Dean & Nicki O’Brien, Holly Porter and Sarah Taylor.