The challenge
What is the Reindeer Run challenge?
Once again, we’re asking Reindeer Runners to take on the challenge of completing 24 miles throughout December - that’s one mile for every hour RNLI lifesavers are on call every day, even on Christmas Day. One way of tackling the challenge is to complete 1 mile every day for 24 days. However, it is 24 miles over the whole of December, so it’s completely up to you how you’d like to complete the challenge.
How does the challenge work?
We are asking everyone that takes on the challenge to complete 24 miles throughout December. You can complete your miles however you like. If running's not for you, you could walk, hop, or roll – it's entirely up to you. When you register, a fundraising page will be automatically created which you can share with your friends and family. Then all you need to do is choose how you’d like to tackle the challenge, lace up your hooves, and get running!
Do I need to run 1 mile every day?
No, you decide how you would like to tackle the challenge. Running 1 mile every day for 24 days is one option. You could even walk, hop or roll – on average, it takes just 20 minutes to walk 1 mile.
It is up to you how you would like to face the challenge. Running 24 miles throughout December is no mean feat, so make sure to plan your runs so they fit into your lifestyle.
Where does the event take place?
The Reindeer Run challenge is a virtual event, and you decide when and where you want to complete your miles. Just choose your favourite place and get started.
Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee to take part in the virtual Reindeer Run, however we are asking everyone that takes on the Reindeer Run challenge to raise funds via their fundraising page to bring us closer to saving every one.
Will I receive a medal?
When you sign up, you can choose to opt in to receive a Reindeer Run medal once you reach your individual or group fundraising target. Please note: only those who opt in will receive a medal.
Fundraising targets for medals:
Individual adults: qualify for a medal after raising at least £125/€125.
Individual children (registered by an adult): qualify for a medal after raising at least £125/€125.
Adults in a team: qualify for a medal after raising at least £125/€125 on their individual fundraising page.
Mixed-age groups (adults and under-18s):
You’ll receive a group fundraising target when you sign up. This target is based on the number of people in your group who choose to fundraise.
The registering adult can choose not to fundraise when registering on behalf of any under 18s.
Your group target is calculated as the number of fundraisers × £125/€125. Once your group hits this target, all fundraisers in the group will qualify for a medal.
Delivery:
Individual medals will be posted to the address provided at sign-up.
Group medals will be sent to the address of the adult who registered the group.
Medals will be posted in January.
Fundraising
How do I collect money for my event?
Once you sign up, your fundraising page will be automatically created, and all donations collected on your page will come directly to the RNLI. You can add your own profile picture and tell us why you’re taking on the Reindeer Run. You can then share your page with friends and family so they can donate to support you and the RNLI’s volunteer lifesavers.
How do I pay in my fundraising?
If you receive any cash donations, you can bank them yourself and transfer the amount to your online fundraising page. Every contribution makes a real, lifesaving difference.
Is there a minimum amount I should raise?
The money you raise will help our lifesavers to save every one they can, so we are asking everyone that takes on the Reindeer Run to try and raise at least £125/€125.
General
Which apps can I use to track my distance?
You can track your distance and steps using several different apps, including Fitbit and Garmin.
How do I connect my fitness app to my fundraising page?
Your profile page includes your personal distance tally so you can track your distance towards your target. This is a great way to keep your friends updated on your workouts!
If you track your workouts with Fitbit or Garmin, your distances will automatically add to your tally.
Follow these steps to track your distance automatically:
1. Download the Fitbit or Garmin app and set up your account.
2. Log in to your RNLI Fundraising account.
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3. Under the heading Connect your preferred Fitness app, click your chosen app.
4. Follow the prompts to connect your account.
5. When you next work out, select start your workout in the app on your phone. Once you end your workout, save your workout and your distance will be published to the tally on your page the following day.
If you have synced your app already but it is not working, please log in and reconnect it.
- Fitbit: You must start an activity and save it. If no activity is logged, then your cumulative activity will sync at the end of the day. If you are having issues, try syncing through BOTH your Fitbit and the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
- Garmin: You must start your workout, stop your workout and then SAVE your workout.
Manually adding activity
Remember, you can manually add your exercise to the tally in the My Fitness Activity tab within your logged in dashboard. This is a great option if you’re using a pedometer or a different way of tracking your distances, including Strava or MapMyFitness.
Follow these steps to manually add your activity:
1. Log in to your account and select My Fitness Activity.
2. Under Add activity, enter the required fields. Depending on the challenge this may be steps, distance and/or duration.
3. The logged activity will now appear on your fundraising page!
How do I join an existing team?
2. This will lead you to the Sponsor page, showing you all the results for that name. Alternatively, you can go to the Team tab on the Sponsor page
3. Once you have found the team you want to join, click on the arrow to view that team's page.
4. Then click the Join Us button (next to the social share buttons).
5. If you're logged in, it will ask you to confirm the team you want to join. If you aren't yet registered, it will take you through the process and add you to that team.
Is there an age limit to take part?
I use a wheelchair. Can I still take part?
Absolutely, anyone can take part in the Reindeer Run challenge. Fitbit and Garmin (mobile applications used to track your distance) can both record distances for wheelchair users.
Any more questions?
Please email us at reindeer_run@rnli.org.uk and one of the team will be able to help.
Take on the Reindeer Run Challenge
