Over 3,000 runners are expecting to win a Christmas pudding at the finish line of the Percy Pud 10k this Sunday.

Since their first event in 1993, attended by 600 people, Sheffield City Striders Running Club have had to cap the number of runners to about 3,000 – a limit exceeded as soon as spots became available.

Among those hoping to receive their Christmas pudding at the finish line on Loxley Road is Polly Rippon, 51, who started running the Percy Pud 20 years ago.

She said: “Although the weather is a bit dicey, it’s a really popular event with lots of local runners and local people taking part.”

Also taking part is Laura Blackwell, 41. She will be running with her father, who has previously raised money for Sheffield Hospitals Charity, a cause close to his heart.

Ms Blackwell said that the event has a “great community feel,” attracting runners of all abilities, and, although the forecast predicts rain on Sunday, “the atmosphere makes up for it.”

Both runners see the annual event as the official start of Christmas.

The race thrives on the help of volunteers like Abi Langton, 22, who is helping for the first time this year by handing Christmas puddings out on the finishing line.

She said: “It feels like a special badge of honour to be helping out at such a well-renowned event. In Sheffield there’s such a big running community – I’m looking forward to seeing everyone finish their race.”

Volunteers are expecting around 100 finishers per minute at the peak of the race.

“Its definitely going to be a hectic day and is going to require a smooth running team to get everyone through,” said Ms Langton.

Ms Blackwell said that the course is “a little challenging, but if you pace it well it has PB potential and that’s definitely a draw!”

But the biggest draw, of course, is the Christmas pudding at the end.