People Race Round Covent Garden Dressed As Elves And Carrying A Christmas Pudding In This Mad Festive Event

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 52 months ago

Looks like this article is a bit old. Be aware that information may have changed since it was published.

People Race Round Covent Garden Dressed As Elves And Carrying A Christmas Pudding In This Mad Festive Event

No, you've not been hitting the Christmas sherry early — that's a group of elves racing around Covent Garden with a Christmas pudding.

The japes are The Great Christmas Pudding Race, an annual charity event where teams go head to head, raising money for Cancer Research UK. It's now in its 39th year

Teams of six race around a festive obstacle course in the cobbled piazza, tackling a giant slide and a foam slalom, all while attempting not to drop the Christmas pudding they're balancing on a tray. Think Soho Waiters' Race, but far less serious, and with (literal) bells on.

Competitors are also faced with tasks such as decorating a Christmas tree and completing a festive jigsaw puzzle, all while racing against the clock — and the other teams. It's a heats-based race, so if your team comes top of your heat, you'll then face winning teams from other heats, until the overall winner is declared.

Tempted? Grab five friends and sign up, then start giving your team costume some consideration, as there's a prize for the best fancy dress.

The Great Christmas Pudding Race 2019 takes place in Covent Garden on Saturday 7 December, 11am-1pm. There's a registration fee of £75 per team of six, and minimum sponsorship of £100 per person. If you're in the area on the day, consider stopping by to cheer the elves/Santas on.

Last Updated 22 November 2019