The 5k Puddin’ Race returns to Dunning after sell-out debut, with more races, more haggis and a new charity partner

Running shoes at the ready, Simon Howie’s Puddin’ Race is back for round two and is inviting runners to race for haggis, glory and two coveted Chieftain titles, while raising funds for local charity Buttons & Bows Baby Bank.

After more than 500 runners snapped up places for the inaugural event last year in just three weeks, The Scottish Butcher is bringing its brilliantly fun Burns Night 5k back to Dunning, Perthshire on Sunday 24 January 2027, and this time it’s bigger.

Entries for the second Simon Howie 5k Puddin’ Race go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 7 October, with runners being warned to move quickly if last year is anything to go by.

Starting and finishing at the Simon Howie farm in Dunning, the unique 5k takes runners past the butcher’s factory, around its wind turbine, along farm tracks and through the village before bringing them back to where they started – with a medal and, importantly, a haggis waiting at the finish line.

Last January’s first-ever Puddin’ Race proved an instant hit, selling out weeks ahead of Burns Night and attracting runners of all ages and abilities. Despite some classic January Scottish weather and a challenging course featuring hills, trails and the judgement of a herd of highland cows, the event saw more than 500 runners turn out to take part.

For 2027, there’s even more to race for. The fastest male and female runners will be crowned The Great Chieftain and Chieftainess o’ The Puddin’ Race, each taking home a special winner’s T-shirt and trophy, as well as some fairly serious bragging rights.

Founder Simon Howie said: “When we came up with the Puddin’ Race last year, we genuinely didn’t know if anyone would fancy running round our farm in Dunning in the middle of January for a haggis. Turns out, more than 500 people did!

“We were completely blown away by the response. It sold out in three weeks, the atmosphere on the day was brilliant and almost as soon as it was over people were asking us if we were doing it again. So, we really had no choice, the Puddin’ Race is back.

“Burns Night is our busiest time of the year and we’ll be producing over one million haggis, so things are already slightly mad around here in January. Adding hundreds of runners, kids and a few dogs into the mix probably shouldn’t make sense, but somehow it does.

“We’ve kept everything people loved about the first race – including the haggis at the finish line, and added a few extras for year two. Most importantly, this year the race will support a fantastic charity right here in Perthshire, Buttons & Bows Baby Bank, so every puddin’ pounding the pavements will be helping local families too.”

All profits from the 2027 Puddin’ Race will be donated to Buttons & Bows Baby Bank, which supports families experiencing financial hardship across Perth & Kinross with essentials for babies and children aged up to six, including food, nappies, clothing, toys and equipment.
Runners and spectators will also be encouraged to bring good-quality pre-loved clothes, shoes, toys and equipment such as pushchairs, changing mats and cots to race day, or to buy a pack of nappies in their weekly shop before the race, with a dedicated donation point at Race HQ.

Caroline from Buttons & Bows Baby Bank said: “I set up Buttons & Bows after having to retire early from my post as a Community Learning Worker where I worked with many families. I was aware of just how much of an impact financial pressures can have on families, particularly those trying to provide for young children. No child should go without a clean nappy, and no parent should have to worry about being able to feed or dress their baby.
“Simon has been an amazing support to the charity and we’re delighted he has chosen to support us through the Puddin’ Race this year.

“We’d love runners and spectators to think of us when having a post-Christmas clear-out or doing their weekly shop before the race. Donations of good-quality children’s clothes, or even a pack of nappies or baby wipes, can make a real difference to a family who needs them.”

The Kids Fun Run is also returning bigger for 2027, with young runners able to take on either a 1k or 2k route depending on their age and ability. For the first time, the children’s races will be officially timed, with every young runner receiving their own Fun Run medal and goodies at the finish.

Four-legged runners haven’t been forgotten either. Dogs are welcome to tackle the 5k alongside their owners, with one dog permitted per runner on a short, hand-held lead.

And for anyone who really wants to look the part, exclusive Puddin’ Race merchandise will be available, including race T-shirts, a new haggis snood for braving the January weather and a ‘Powered by Puddin’’ 500ml water bottle.

Entry to the 5k Puddin’ Race costs £17.50, including a finisher’s medal and haggis, while entry to the Kids Fun Run costs £5, including official timing and a medal.

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