Runners and walkers from all over South Wales are invited to get fit and have fun on Sunday 28 November by signing up to the ninth annual RNLI Reindeer Run at Margam Park. With prizes for the best festive fancy dress, mince pies and hot punch at the finish line, it promises to get everyone in the festive spirit.
The run attracts over 1500 people of all fitness levels from throughout South Wales, and everyone taking part in the event is encouraged to raise sponsorship and to dress up in a Christmas themed outfit. The Santa Saunter hour-long sponsored walk around the flat part of the course and through Margam’s petting zoo is open to those who prefer a more gentle approach to their fundraising.
Every participant in this year’s RNLI Reindeer Run will be given a free pair of reindeer antlers to wear on the day, and all runners will receive a medal as they cross the finish line.
The first RNLI Reindeer Run started in Margam Park in 2001, and the event has been such a successful formula that the RNLI now organises 12 other Reindeer Runs across the UK and Ireland, plus a dedicated website for the events, making it easier than ever to sign up to take part.
The Margam Park event has raised just under £100,000 since it started, and as the RNLI relies on voluntary contributions to continue providing its volunteer crew with the high tech equipment and training they need to save lives at sea, these type of events are an essential part of the RNLI’s fundraising calendar. With lifeboat stations along the coast from Penarth, Barry Dock and Porthcawl to Port Talbot and Mumbles, numbers have increased every year with locals keen to support the event and help raise funds.
The event will start off with the 10k race at 10:30am, followed by the 5k fun run and sponsored walk at 11.30am. The route winds around lakes and up through the beautiful parklands and deer enclosures before returning to a warm welcome of free mulled wine or steaming hot chocolate. Runners and spectators can also enjoy a Christmas fair inside Margam’s impressive castle throughout the morning
Tamsin Davies, the RNLI’s Senior Fundraising Manager said:
“We’ve had a fantastic response already this year with over 350 people signed up through our website already. This year we’re hoping that even more locals dress up and join in, and help make 2010 our best year yet.”
Sign up online at www.rnli.org.uk/reindeer, or for more information contact [email protected] or 0121 780 6960.
