RNLI fundraiser seeks to rein in participants

TOP chef Rachel Allen took a break from dishing out fantastic recipes last week to launch a charity event for the RNLI.

The Dublin RNLI Reindeer Run will take place at Marlay Park in Rathfarnham on Sunday, December 2.

All abilities and ages are catered for with participants choosing from a 5km or 10km walk/run or a shorter Santa Saunter.

To get into the Christmas spirit all participants will be given a pair of novelty antlers to wear and an RNLI Reindeer Run t-shirt.

‘Rookie’ the Reindeer Run mascot will also be on hand throughout the day to join in the fun.

Rachel joined lifeboat volunteers to call on runners and walkers of all ages to join in the fun and sign up for the Reindeer Runs.

The well-known chef is a long-standing supporter of the RNLI and is familiar with the life-saving work of the charity, living close to Ballycotton lifeboat station.

“My family and I watch as the volunteers launch their all-weather lifeboat on exercise every Wednesday evening,

? she said.

“The Reindeer Runs are a great way for the whole family to have fun while helping the charity to save lives at sea.

?

Northside woman Rose Michael, coordinator of the Dublin event, is encouraging entrants to register early as places are limited and judging by last year’s runs are likely to fill up fast.

“This is the third RNLI Reindeer Run to take place in Dublin,

? said Mr Michael.

“They have become hugely popular and are now a major event on the charity’s Christmas calendar.

“The RNLI lifeboats are busy all year round but some of their most challenging callouts occur over the winter months in complete darkness.

?

Entrants for the Dublin Reindeer Runs are asked to register online at www.rnli.org/ reindeer. The closing date is November 30. The cost is

?¬9 for the Santa Saunter,

?¬20 for the 5km and

?¬22 for 10km.

Dublin has three RNLI lifeboat stations located at Howth, Skerries and Dun Laoghaire, who last year launched 113 times and brought 102 people to safety.