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RNLI Clacton holds inaugural Reindeer Run and raises over £9,000

Lifeboats News Release

On Sunday 20 November RNLI volunteers from Clacton-on-Sea opened their doors to the community and welcomed local runners and families to enjoy the first Reindeer Run fundraising event in Clacton and the East coast.

RNLI Clacton's 10k runners hit their stride in the Reindeer Run 2022

Kevin Jay

RNLI Clacton's 10k runners hit their stride in the Reindeer Run 2022

The Reindeer Run is a fun and family friendly event for the community of Clacton. It consisted of two courses, the first a 10km run for our keen runners and the second a 2km 'Santa Saunter' which was ideal for families and children.

On a day that started with dark skies, gusts of wind and what seemed like a never-ending rainstorm, the skies finally cleared in time for a 10.30am start of the 10km race, which saw over 120 entrants. Rookie the Reindeer was poised at the start line, and after a countdown from 10, the race was on.

Each runner wore a pair of Reindeer Antlers as part of their participation, and it was a fantastic sight to see so many people taking part and enjoying our beautiful coastline.

Next up were the 'Santa Saunter' participants and once again, Rookie Reindeer started their walk with a big wave to everyone!

To ensure that everyone had a safe time, over 30 volunteers, including first aiders and a water station lined the course at various points.

All too soon saw the first runners and Santa Saunter walkers making their way back to the finish line, where a beautiful Reindeer Run medal was presented to each person before a hot drink and a mince pie was served in the boathouse.

Mark Walsham, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer said 'What strikes me most about this event is the sense of community spirit and atmosphere that has come out of the Reindeer Run. As the charity that saves lives at sea, we rely on support from the community, and even though times are tough right now, we continue to be amazed by the support we receive in Clacton and wider Essex area. Provisionally the event has raised over £9,000 of vital funds that will be used by our lifeboat station to continue to save lives at sea.

To see a wide age range of people coming to and enjoying our lifeboat station on Sunday is just awe inspiring and we hope everyone had a great time, and look forward to the Reindeer Run in 2023.'

As a special treat for those in the area, our volunteer crew also launched their Atlantic 85 lifeboat David Porter MPS on exercising too, which just put the icing on the cake of this simply fantastic day.

We would like to extend special thanks to the following who either donated their time or goods to the team.

  • Tendring District Council
  • Morrison’s Supermarket
  • Tesco Supermarket
  • Booker Cash & Carry
  • Anytime Fitness
  • Essex Police
  • Kahzee Toilets
  • Autoprint Design & Print
  • Staging Events
  • IPW
  • Asda Supermarket
  • Simon Rich (photographer)
  • Kevin Jay (videographer)
  • And most importantly anyone who took part in the event, You all helped raise money for the lifeboat station.

Don't forget also we shall be hosting Santa on Sunday 11 December, are collecting for the RNLI Clacton Christmas Appeal and have a Fundraising evening on 25 November for a curry evening. See our Facebook page for more information.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact: Mark Walsham, RNLI Clacton volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07468511158, or [email protected]

RNLI Clacton handing out a Reindeer Run medal to a runner

Simon Rich

RNLI Clacton handing out a Reindeer Run medal to a runner
Rookie Reindeer says 3, 2, 1 - GO!!!

Simon Rich

Rookie Reindeer says 3, 2, 1 - GO!!!
RNLI Clacton Crew Member Tom supporting the Reindeer Run

Simon Rich

RNLI Clacton Crew Member Tom supporting the Reindeer Run
RNLI Clacton open their boathouse to the community

Simon Rich

RNLI Clacton open their boathouse to the community

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, Twitter 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.

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