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Help the RNLI this Christmas by signing up to Cornwall’s Reindeer Run!

Lifeboats News Release

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is calling on the people of Cornwall to support their volunteer lifeboat crews this winter by taking part in the RNLI Cornwall Reindeer Run on Saturday 7 December at Par Athletics Track.

The RNLI’s volunteer crews are ready to answer the call for help this winter - but the charity needs your help too.

The RNLI is inviting everyone of any ability to join them and Rookie the Reindeer at Par Athletics Track on Saturday 7 December at 10am to spread some festive cheer and help raise vital funds for the RNLI.

In 2023, RNLI stations in Cornwall launched five times over the *Christmas period, from December 24 to January 1. In the south west region RNLI volunteers launched 17 times. Our volunteers remain on call this festive period, ready to leave their families and festive celebrations to respond to the pager at any moment.

Organiser of the event, Esther Farrant, Community Manager for Cornwall said:

‘We’re delighted to be hosting this event. Whether you're a seasoned runner or looking to complete your first race, there's a distance for everyone. People can choose from our 5K Reindeer Run enjoying both the athletics track and the connected green-trail, or 2K 'Santa Saunter' for a leisurely distance for the whole family. You’ll be supported by our wonderful team of RNLI volunteer marshals, helping you lap count and cheering you on to the finish.

‘We are encouraging everyone to get in the festive spirit by wearing your best Christmas outfit and lace up your running shoes for a day full of family fun, exercise, holiday spirit and activities for all ages. There is also a competition for best Christmas costume.’

To sign up and play your part in help save lives this Christmas you can do so here: RNLI Cornwall Reindeer Run 2024 Registration, Sat 7 Dec 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

There will also be lots to do at the venue from exciting close-up magic and creative face painting, to delicious food and informative health and fitness promotions.

If you are unable to make the event you can still play you part by joining the Virtual Reindeer Run - running or walking 24 miles in December to help raise vital funds. That’s one mile for every hour RNLI lifesavers are on call every day, even on Christmas Day.

You can sign up for that here :RNLI.org/ReindeerRunChallenge. Every participant of the Virtual Reindeer Run who raises over £125 will receive their very own commemorative Reindeer Run medal as a thank you for helping to support volunteer lifeboat crews. And every penny raised this Christmas goes directly to help the RNLI save lives at sea.

Notes to editors

  • *Christmas period refers to 24 – December – 1 January
  • To take part in the 5k participants must be 11 years old, 11-14 years old must be accompanied by an adult and 15 years old and over can take part independently (parental consent is part of the process).
  • The 2k ‘Santa Saunter’ is open to all ages and perfect for families who want to take part

· Event will be held at Par Athletics Track, Moorland Road, Par, PL24 2PB

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact Archie Connolly-Media Engagement Placement on 07977 468283 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].

RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

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.