Under starter's orders for Teesdale AC's new-look festive runs

MOVE over Santa – athletes will be out in force chasing down reindeer for this year’s festive runs around The Bowes Museum and Barnard Castle School grounds.

After three Santa Runs, Teesdale Athletics Club, which organises the event, has decided to try something a bit different this year – the Reindeer Chase.

Club members will be dressed up as Rudolph and co and given a head start. Runners are then challenged to chase them down, retrieve prize numbers stuck on the costumes and see if they have picked up a gift after crossing the finish line.

Organiser Donna Hawcroft described this year’s event as “a moving tombola”.

“We wanted to try something different and something that is a bit of fun,” she added.

“We have had great support from businesses and residents who have donated prizes for the event.”

Ms Hawcroft said there were a couple of reasons for the change.

Firstly, there are a number of other Santa runs across the region and secondly, runners felt hot and uncomfortable tackling a 5k course in a Santa suit.

However, she said anyone wishing to enter in fancy dress would be made more than welcome.

“We thought we would give it a punt and see how it goes,” added Ms Hawcroft.

The Reindeer Chase will take place on Sunday, December 17, and as in previous years, there will be two runs.

A 1k event is open to children aged up to 11 who will come under starter’s orders at 11am.

The senior 5k, open to everyone aged 12 and older, will set off half an hour later.

There will be a maximum of 100 places in the children's run and 150 in the senior event.

Ms Hawcroft said those taking part for the first time would be in for an enjoyable time.

“The grounds of the museum and the school provide a delightful setting. Runners of all abilities will enjoy a challenging and fun run chasing the reindeer,” she said.

Entry costs £4 for the 1k and £10 for the 5k – and this includes admission to the final day of the Christmas market which will be taking place in the grounds of The Bowes Museum.

Anyone interested can register online or on the day, with run numbers collected on the day.

Ms Hawcroft said this year's runs would raise cash for Barnard Castle charity The Clique, after previously supporting Teesdale Lions Club.

For more details, go to www.teesdaleac.com.