ON THE RUN: Runners will be chasing down reindeer - and hoping to win a prize
ON THE RUN: Runners will be chasing down reindeer - and hoping to win a prize

FUN RUNNERS will be under starter’s orders this Saturday (December 15) in the grounds of The Bowes Museum.

Teesdale Athletics Club has again organised the seasonal event, which for the second year takes the form of reindeer chases. Two runs will take place – a 1k and 5k – with those taking part attempting to hunt down the “reindeer” and collect special numbers from them which are then entered into a prize draw once they are handed in at the finishing line.

In addition, all finishers will receive a medal. In the shorter race, parents can accompany their children – but only paying adults can collect the reindeer numbers for the draw.

The club has previously staged Santa runs before, last year trying out a reindeer chase for the first time.

Previous events had been held on a Sunday, but Teesdale Athletics Club Skye Archer said members had decided to switch to Saturday in an effort to boost numbers.

“Numbers were disappointing last year and it makes no difference to us whether it’s a Saturday or a Sunday,” she said. “We also felt we were clashing with other sports events on a Sunday,.”

Money raised from the reindeer chase runs will go to Barnard Castle charity the Clique, whose members will be acting as marshals during the event. There are 100 places available in both runs. Entry into the 1k is £4 and for the 5k it is £10. Entries will be taken on the day at the main entrance to The Bowes Museum. Full details are available at www.teesdaleac.com.

Once again, the runs are being held to coincide with the Christmas fair in the grounds of The Bowes Museum. Entry into either of the fun runs also includes admission to the fair.