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 through their fundraising page to bring us closer to saving every one.
Will I receive a medal?
All participants who raise £150/€150 by 10 January 2027 will receive a Reindeer Run medal. We will be sending out the medals after the challenge has been completed. Please allow up to 4 weeks from 11 January 2027 for delivery.
Only one medal will be issued per registration.
When will I receive my beanie?
If you are the first lucky 980 Reindeer Runners that opted into getting the Reindeer Run beanie, your beanie will be posted to you by 15 December 2026, so you can wear it during your challenge.
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.
How will my fundraising make a difference?
Donations kindly collected will go into general funds to be used where they are needed most by any part of the organisation. We are not able to restrict funds to any specific station or region. To learn more about where fundraising money is used by our organisation please visit How The RNLI Uses Your Money To Save Lives
Is there a minimum amount I should raise?
The money you raise will help our lifesavers to save every one they can, we welcome all fundraising donations you may generate from your activity, no matter the amount.
Is Gift Aid included in my fundraising total?
For UK runners, the main total displayed on your fundraising page excludes Gift Aid, however you can see how much additional fundraising income is coming from Gift Aid underneath your total.
Can I fundraise if I live outside of the UK and Ireland?
Absolutely, we welcome anyone who wants to fundraise on our behalf, however, please note that you will only be able to fundraise in pounds or euros.
General
Which apps can I use to track my distance?
You can track your distance and steps using several different apps.
You can also link Garmin to your Funraisin page, by following the steps below.
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 Garmin, your distances will automatically add to your tally.
Follow these steps to track your distance automatically:
1. Download the Garmin app and set up your account.
2. Log in to your RNLI Fundraising account.
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.
- Garmin: You must start your workout, stop your workout and then SAVE your workout.
Your tally will be updated each day with the previous day’s distances.
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!
I use a wheelchair. Can I still take part?
Absolutely, anyone can take part in the Reindeer Run challenge. Garmin (a mobile application used to track your distance) can record distances for wheelchair users.
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?
Any more questions?
Please email us at reindeer_run@rnli.org.uk and one of the team will be able to help.
