Join the Stansted Park Reindeer Run and help the RNLI fight the Perfect Storm
The RNLI is asking people in Hampshire to get on their running shoes this month and take part in a Christmas tradition that will help save lives at sea all throughout the year.
On Sunday 8 December the charity will be holding its annual Reindeer Run at Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, where it’s hoped hundreds of people will don a pair of antlers and join its mascots Rookie the Reindeer and Stormy Stan to raise funds for the charity.
This year’s run is more important than ever as the RNLI’s lifeboats are responding to more calls for help than ever, more money is needed to train crews and equipment, but income has gone down. It’s the Perfect Storm and means lifeboat crews are facing their toughest Christmas ever.
In taking part runners will also be doing their bit to show support for another RNLI tradition that takes place every Christmas. As volunteer crews at the charity’s 238 lifeboat stations sit down to enjoy Christmas Dinner, some always have their festive celebrations cut short as their pagers sound and they leave friends and family and head out to sea.
But now there’s a chance to do your bit to help – and you won’t miss any of the celebrations. Indeed, the sight of hundreds of runners dressed as reindeers is likely to put a smile on everyone’s faces in the run up to the big day.
The event opens at 9.30am and there is a choice of 10k or 5k fund runs and even a 1k Santa Saunter that’s perfect for the little ones to take part in. All those participating will receive a free RNLI Reindeer Run T-shirt and medal. Runners, who must register and buy tickets for the event in advance, are encouraged to raise sponsorship which will go directly to saving lives.
‘The Reindeer Run is more important than ever this year,’ said Poole Lifeboat volunteer crew member Dave Riley. ‘We always have to be ready in case the pagers go at Christmas, but it’s a big boost to know the Reindeer runners have been giving their support at this busy time of year to help ensure we can launch’.
‘It can be hard on our family and friends if we disappear halfway through Christmas dinner, but the sea and the dangers it can bring never takes a holiday, so nor can we,’ he explained, adding that members of the Poole lifeboat crew were also hoping to take part in the run.
There will be prizes for the first woman and first man to cross the finish line in the 10k and 5k runs and also spot prizes for fancy dress.
There will also be the chance to win dinner, bed and breakfast for up to four people at the RNLI College in Poole. This prize will be awarded to the person who raises the highest value of donations for the RNLI through JustGiving as a participant of our Reindeer Run events in 2019 at Moors Valley, Stansted Park and Southsea.
To register for the event go to: RNLI.org/StanstedReindeer
https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/events/2019/december/rnli-stansted-park-reindeer-run-2019
Attached photos: RNLI Reindeer runs in previous years have attracted large entries of runners donning festive antlers.
For Editors:
The RNLI Reindeer Run takes part at Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6DX from 9.30am to 2pm on Sunday 8 December. In addition to the entry fee, we encourage all participants to raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship money to help the RNLI continue to save lives at sea.
Stansted Park is within easy reach of Portsmouth and Chichester. It’s signposted from the A3 (M) south junction 2 for Emsworth and the A27 junction for Havant. Free car parking is available at Stansted Park. To reduce congestion and help the environment, please car share where possible.
If you have any questions about this event please contact your local Reindeer Run team at [email protected]
Race times: 5K race starts at 10am, 10K run starts at 10.30am, 1K Santa Saunter starts at 11am. Pre-registration is essential and entries will not be accepted on the day. Fancy dress is encouraged.
To find out more about the RNLI’s Perfect Storm campaign go to www.rnli.org
RNLI Media contacts
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Paul Dunt, Regional Media Officer (South East), 0207 6207426, 07785 296252 [email protected]
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For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.