Chef & Author Rachel Allen launches the Cork RNLI Lifeboats Charity Reindeer Run

On your marks, Rupert Hugh Jones, Jasper Hugh Jones, Rachel Allen, Barry McDonald – Photo Cork RNLI

The RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea, has joined forces with well known chef and author Rachel Allen to launch the RNLI Reindeer Run. Cork has seven RNLI lifeboat stations located at Ballycotton, Youghal, Crosshaven, Courtmachsherry Harbour, Kinsale, Baltimore and Castletownbere. Together, they launched 154 times last year and brought 153 people to safety.

The Cork RNLI Reindeer Run will take place at Fota House and Gardens outside Cobh on Sunday 25 November.  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 are 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 Allen has joined lifeboat volunteers to call on runners and walkers of all ages to join in the fun and sign up for the Reindeer Runs.  Rachel 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.

Speaking at the launch for the RNLI Reindeer Run Rachel said, ?I and my family watch as the volunteers launch their all-weather lifeboat on exercise every Wednesday evening. When we see it launch at any other time, we know the callout is for real. We are so lucky to have a service like the RNLI which relies completely on the generosity of the public and voluntary contributions. The Reindeer Runs are a great way for the whole family to have fun while helping the charity to save lives at sea?.

Eileen Kearney, RNLI Community Fundraising Manager is encouraging entrants to register early as places are limited and likely to fill up fast.  ?This is the second RNLI Reindeer Run in Cork and the third one to take place in Dublin. They have become hugely popular and are now a major event on the charity?s Christmas calendar.  Irish lifeboats are busy all year round but some of their most challenging callouts occur over the Winter months.  While others will be enjoying the Christmas festivities with their loved ones, we know that somewhere RNLI lifeboats will be launched to help save lives at sea?.

Entrants for the Cork Run are asked to register online at rnli.org/reindeer. The closing date is Friday 23 November.  The registration cost is ?9 for the Santa Saunter, ?20 for 5km and ?22 for 10km. All children under the age of five are free.  There will also be prizes for the best fancy dress.