Percy Pud beanie travelling in style

South Yorkshire Police on Percy Pud duty.

What started out as a selfie posted by a runner in Germany after last year's Percy Pud's race, it now became the latest trend that was quickly catching on among other fellow runners.

From Wales to New Zealand, the beanie was spotted at various locations around the world.

The race's organising committee member, Alan Barnett said: "Two days after last year's race, one of the runners posted a beanie selfie on the Striders Facebook page of them wearing the beanie at a Christmas Market in Germany.

"This gave Percy Pud Race Director Richard Dunk the idea of the challenge for the farthest away beanie picture. Dozens of pictures have been posted throughout the year."

And the winner, he said, is James Norton who posted a beanie selfie at Milford Sound in New Zealand.

"James will be one of the pace runners at this year's race," he said.

Instead of a fluorescent yellow beanie that was given out last year, this year's finishers will receive a fluorescent orange beanie and a 2lb Christmas pudding.

Percy Pud runner, Richard Dunk in Florida, USA

While everything is going as planned, Mr Barnett said they will still take several precautions due to the weather uncertainties ahead of the event.

"The only downside at the moment being the field where all the runners turn into after the finish is rather boggy.

"So on the November 23, a week before the race, Striders will be spreading 10-ton of grit sand on the field.

"Sheffield Council plan to sweep the route and clear road gullies the week prior to the race. Now it’s fingers crossed for dryer weather and a light breeze to dry things out," he said.

Percy Pud runner Arif Ali in Snowden, Wales

The race, organised by Steel City Striders, will be held on December 1 and flag off at 9.30am.

It takes place in a picturesque route around scenic rural setting of Loxley Valley and Damflask Reservoir to The Plough at Low Bradfield.

Now in 27th year, the race started in 1983 with 600 entrants and has grown annually welcoming 3000 competitors last year.

And it proved to be the most popular run in South Yorkshire as all 3,000 places sold out in record time when it opened early last month.