Review by Claire Dixon.
Held annually in the small Northamptonshire village of Nether Heyford this Christmas run has all the ingredients we love here at Quirky Races. It’s different, it involves fancy dress, it’s great fun but can also be taken seriously, there’s something for the kids and there’s a twist that makes it that little bit more unique.
After a well organised registration in the village hall we headed outside where the half mile and 1 mile fun run for kids and adults on the village green was taking place with a brass band playing Christmas carols adding to the friendly and festive atmosphere.
It was then time for the main even, the 5 mile run. Almost everyone was dressed to impress with full Santa suits on. The twist came in the challenge of a £100 prize up for grabs for anyone who could beat the Christmas pudding. This involved a runner who is normally dressed as a pudding (but we were told he’d lost his suit so it was slightly disappointing to see him in just a hi-vis vest) being set off early with the task of not letting any of the Santas catch him.
The course, all of country roads and paths, was very tough and hilly. Having faced the various inclines on the way out there was a great stretch round the village of Flore which I really enjoyed before facing the hills again as the route doubled back in to Nether Heyford.
The race finished back on the village green where you were presented with a medal, drinks & sweets. It was a hard course made even more difficult by the Santa suit, partially the beard, on what was an uncharacteristically sunny December day. This certainly didn’t reduce the fun factor for me though as I really enjoyed the run and although I didn’t catch the pudding I did managed to knock a few minutes off my previous 5 mile PB.
There’s a really nice vibe to this event and you can tell it’s been going for several years as it’s very well ran. Certainly one for the calendar to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Quirky Races 