RNLI Reindeer Run returns to raise funds for Dublin ad Arklow lifeboats
The RNLI’s festive Reindeer Run is making a return to Marlay Park in Dublin next month and the charity that saves lives at sea is encouraging families to come out and get moving for a great cause.
The popular event which takes place on Sunday 4 December, will raise funds to help volunteer crew at Arklow, Dun Laoghaire, Skerries and Howth lifeboat stations.
Well known TV presenter, author and adventuress Teena Gates, will lead participants in the traditional ‘Rookie the Reindeer Warm-Up’ before getting the event underway at the start line.
Speaking at the launch of the Reindeer Run in Marlay Park, Teena said: ‘I love the sea, and being in it, on it and around it. Perhaps that's why the RNLI is so close to my heart. The men and women of the RNLI have been saving lives at sea off the Dublin and Wicklow coast for generations. Their volunteer lifeboat crews are ordinary people who do extraordinary things to save lives and prevent disaster.
‘None of us in Dublin or Wicklow live very far from the sea and we never know when we or someone we love will need their help, so here is a wonderful way to support them.
Get signed up for the festive and fun RNLI Reindeer Run. Come on over to Marlay Park, Rathfarnham on 4 December, and let's get together and spread a little Christmas cheer for the lifeboats.’
Teena was joined at the launch by RNLI Divisional Operations Manager Owen Medland and his daughter Cassia Lily and Dun Laoghaire RNLI Coxswain Mark McGibney and his son Charlie.
Mark spoke about the positive impact the Reindeer Runs have had: ‘As a charity we rely on the goodwill of the public and it is great to be able to hold novel events like these that are family focused, great fun and give people an enjoyable day out. The funds participants raise through the Reindeer Runs support our lifeboat stations in Dun Laoghaire, Arklow, Howth and Skerries and provide us with the vital training, equipment and kit we need to help someone in need.’
Pauline McGann, RNLI Community Fundraising Manager explained how you can get involved: ‘The RNLI Reindeer Run gets underway from 10.30am and is a great way to kick off your festive season and get into the spirit of Christmas. Suitable for all, the event consists of a 5km and 10km run or walk and a 1km Santa Saunter for children. Entry fees for the longer distances are €20/€22 with the Santa Saunter €12.50 with accompanying adults free. All participants will get a festive RNLI Reindeer Run t-shirt and a pair of novelty antlers to wear. They will also be treated to a hot dog on completion’.
For more information and to register for the event go to www.rnli.org/reindeerrun
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Photo Details
Photos courtesy of Tara Murphy
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Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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