From Tracey McDonagh The RNLI has joined forces with Kerry GAA star Colm Cooper to officially launch a fun run with a difference. The Reindeer Run will take place on Sunday 29 November in the Killarney National Park and all funds raised will go to support Irish lifeboats in saving lives at sea.
The RNLI is now looking for runners and walkers to sign up for the novelty event.
The 5km Reindeer Run is open to runner and walkers of all ages and abilities. Due to the timing and theme of the run the charity is asking participants to enter into the spirit on the day and come in festive fancy dress. All runners will receive a free pair of antlers and will be joined on the day by the furry RNLI event mascot, Rookie the Reindeer.
The charity is hoping for a big turnout and is calling on interested people to register as soon as possible. Seven other areas around the UK are also holding their own Reindeer Run for the RNLI including London, Dorset, Scotland and Wales. However, this is the first time one has been organised in Ireland.
Tracey McDonagh, RNLI Area Fundraising Manager said, “ We are really hoping for a big turnout. People in Munster are very supportive of their lifeboats and we would love to see them out on the day having the craic and raising funds for the RNLI in Ireland. This is a family event and there is even a 2.5km Santa Saunter for the younger kids. We hope that following the success of this year that it will be an annual event in Ireland.”
To help launch the run the RNLI is honoured to have Kerry GAA star Colm Cooper lend his support. Colm added, “ It is my pleasure to help the RNLI launch the Killarney Reindeer Run. Being a proud Kerryman I am very aware of the importance of the lifeboats to the community and of the volunteer lifeboat crew whose actions have saved many lives. It is a great charity and one that I hope people will continue to support in any way they can.”
For more information on this event please visit www.rnli.ie/reindeer or freefone 1800 789 589. Entry forms are also available locally at the offices of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce Beech Road and Feet First 28 High Street Killarney. The closing date is 23 November and entries cost €12 for the 5KM and €6 for the Santa Saunter (with under 5s free of charge).
Ends
Notes to editors
• High resolution images with Colm Cooper will be available immediately after the launch. Photos courtesy of Valerie O’Sullivan
• The RNLI provides a 24/7 search and rescue service every day of the year. The majority of RNLI crew are volunteers – only one in ten has a professional maritime background. The RNLI provides the best possible lifeboats, equipment and training to ensure volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards can do their job in the safest way possible.
RNLI media contact
For information please contact Niamh Stephenson RNLI Media Relations Manager on 087-1254 124 or email nstephenson@rnli.org.uk.
The RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.ie News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.ie/press.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 43 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard 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 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.
Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland and registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736)