T’was the week before Christmas when one running club
Had chosen to venture through both mire and dub
Then head back to Nick’s house for Al’s superb grub
But unlike most running its not who dares wins
It’s simply a circuit of some dozen inns
With drinking and darkness and good craik mixed in

T’was the week before Christmas when nothing was heard
Apart from two cyclists both dressed up as “birds”
On some mini-tandem, or something absurd
With gold sparkly tops on and some serious wigs
And some real trouble steering their curious rig
With small dainty stem sets but boobs which were big

T’was the week before Christmas when Penguins appeared
With flapping of wings being so chuffed to be here
On this annual pub run, in search of some beer
With long warming coats on to keep out the chill
But difficulty running with webbed feet uphill
Perhaps they were worried ‘bout meeting the bill

T’was the week before Christmas when Santas and Elves
And others who just seemed to be by themselves
Went running through streets like the great Alan Wells
With lagers, and swaggers and staggers not judged
To stop our lead runners from perhaps being Mudged
Or at least to hit some pubs where they’d not be budged

T’was the week before Christmas when all went quite still
As strong, silent runners had eaten their fill
When, oo-er said Fraser I think I’ll be ill
The running was over, the food was consumed
An air of contentment fell over the room
With some thoughts of whisky beginning to loom

T’was the week before Christmas when our run had begun
T’was the week before Christmas when our time was done
T’was the week before Christmas when we had such fun
We’d rallied, and sallied … and dallied its true
We’d carried and tarried … and had not a few
With the spirit of Christmas we’d all been imbued

T’was the week before Christmas with Carnethy at play
Running and revelling, now what can I say
But you made it fun every step of the way
So now its all over, what’s there left to do
(other than think a some ventures quite new)
Other than say Merry Christmas to you.

Love, live and laugh

Nick Macdonald