The RNLI kick-started its festive season last week with the launch of the charity’s popular Reindeer Run, which will return to Marlay Park in Rathfarnham on Sunday, December 6.
The well-established event raises funds to help volunteer crews at Skerries, Howth and Dun Laoghaire lifeboat stations to continue to save lives at sea.
TV presenter, author and adventuress Teena Gates, will be present on the day to start the run and lead the participants in the popular ‘Rookie the Reindeer Warm-Up’.
Speaking at the launch for the Dublin Reindeer Run Teena said: “I am thrilled to once again be supporting the RNLI Reindeer Run in Marlay Park.
“Having been involved with this event for a few years now I would urge people to sign up and help raise funds for a great charity that is close to my heart.
“The RNLI has been saving lives at sea off the Dublin coast for generations. Their volunteer lifeboat crews are ordinary men and women who do extraordinary things to save lives and prevent disaster.
“None of us in Dublin live very far from the sea and we never know when we or someone we love will need their help, so here is a wonderful way to support them. Get signed up and come over to Marlay Park and spread a little Christmas cheer for the lifeboats.”
Last year, RNLI lifeboats in Dublin launched 137 times, bringing 185 people to safety.
“Winter months are when RNLI volunteer crews face some of the most challenging call-outs,” David Branigan from Dun Laoghaire RNLI said. “Crew training is vital for the job of lifesaving and fundraising as part of the reindeer run by our supporters results in providing the best equipment and instruction.”
The reindeer run caters for all abilities and ages with participants choosing from a 5km or 10km walk/run, a 3k option for juniors or a shorter Santa Saunter.
For anyone who can’t participate in the event but would like to come along and soak up the atmosphere, there are a number of volunteer marshalling roles to be filled. To get involved contact Pauline McGann, RNLI Community Fundraising Manager on 0861528324 or email Pauline_McGann@rnli.org.uk
Registration is now open online at rnli.org/reindeer and costs €20 for the 5K and €22 for the 10K. Children’s tickets are €10 and a family ticket (two adults and two children) is €55. All participants will receive an RNLI Reindeer Run t-shirt, a pair of antlers and a car sticker.