On Sunday I took part in the Weston Christmas Cracker 10k organised by Weston Athletic Club. This race is a staple in the North Somerset racing calendar and this year’s event was the 36th edition. Many participants return year after year to take part in the festive fun. The organisers encourage all standards of runner to take part and actively encourage participants to wear festive fancy dress. Kinisi Run Hub were proud to be involved as a sponsor.

The race takes place along the Weston-Super-Mare seafront on the beach starting and finishing under the Grand Pier. Probably not a race to go for a PB but the sand is fairly firm and compact and it is a very flat course. The route starts under the pier and loops around the beach and onto the prom before going back onto the beach for some more loops and then a short stretch through the roads around the golf course before back to the beach and to the finish under the pier.

The conditions were pretty good. There was a little bit of wind which is pretty much unavoidable being on the seafront but it was a very mild temperature and the sun even came out which was nice. There was a little bit of standing water on the sand but wasn’t too slippery underfoot.

I set off with the pack but quickly found myself out front on my own so enjoyed a solo race with the lead bike and car. Because the race loops around the beach so much the support around the course was really good and I received plenty of helpful cheers.

I won in 33:38 which I was relatively happy with given the race surface and it being a solo run. Also I have been racing a lot recently but it was great to be involved in another local event. Jonathan Riley was second in 38:20 and Adrian Prust was third in 38:34. Hannah Baggott won the women’s race in 40:24 with Caroline McAleese second in 40:40 and Annabel Granger third in 41:42. In total there were 1235 finishers. Full results for the Weston Christmas Cracker here.

Well done to everyone that raced and thank you to Weston Athletic Club for organising a great event!