Running miles but going nowhere? Why not take part in an exciting RNLI race and take your running to new horizons while raising funds that help save lives at sea...A race to suit every paceIf you're a keen runner but tired of doing it alone, or finding it difficult to persuade your friends to join you on an out-of-town run, then running for the lifeboats is for you. Wherever you race, and whatever the distance, you will always have like-minded people to run with. You'll also find that the thought of helping to save lives gives you the extra motivation to reach the finish line.

If you are just starting out and need to build up your stamina and experience, or are trying to beat your personal best, there are a wide range of races where the RNLI can help boost your performance.

There are plenty of fun runs suitable for beginners, which aiso make great practice for the bigger events. Once you have a few races under your belt, you'll be itching to try the ultimate challenge, the full marathon, with 26.3 miles of adrenaline, excitement and endurance.

Not only will the RNLI help you get the most from your experience, but when the going gets tough, it will get you through it with full support on the day. Not only that, but after many of the races you'll be able to unwind at a special post-race party.

The RNLI has a strong presence at almost every major UK event on the running calendar.

The Flora London Marathon is the biggest but you can also raise sponsorship at all the other main running events or, if you want to try something new, the RNLI holds exclusive events that will appeal to runners of all levels and only require a one-off entry fee.

For further information on events in your area see the advert on page 42 in this issue of theLifeboat or call Philippa Thompson on 01202 663234., Cotswold Canter Date: 20 January 2001 Location: Oxfordshire Distance: 10km (6.2 milest Despite chilly winter weather and 5cm of snow, 650 eager runners turned up to take part in the 2001 Cotswold Canter-fulfiling the old saying, 'when the going gets tough, the Brits get going!' Organisers of the race, which centres on the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford in Oxfordshire, were delighted with the excellent turnout. The efforts of the brave runners, together with the work of the RNLI south east regional team and local branch officials, netted £4,000 for the lifeboats and secured plans to hold the event again in January 2002.

Thanks to its success, the 'Canter' will now form a part of an expanding series of training runs leading up to the Flora London Marathon in April this year.[4609 Great North Run Date: 16 September 2001 Location: Newcastle Distance: half marathon (13.1 miles) 2001 marked the 21 st anniversary of the Great North Run, which saw 33,400 runners taking to the streets of Newcastle and surrounding districts in what is now officially the world's biggest half marathon.

The run was entered by both competitive runners and those wishing to achieve personal goals - as well as teams raising funds for specific charities.

Almost 100 individuals signed up to run for the lifeboats, including some valiant lifeboat crew members, who all helped to raise some £10,000 in sponsorship. This excellent result included some noteworthy donations - including £2,700 from Richard Barron and his team at NCMT, a local company from Bury, and £750 from Jackie Clark in London.

The RNLI was fortunate to have free use of the South Shields sailing club, a short distance from the finish-line, to hold a post-race reception for weary competitors. Runners in their distinctive RNLI vests had a warm welcome from Joan Stewart and her team of sports massage therapists from Body Logic who were waiting to ease away the stresses and strains of the arduous run. The massage was a lifesaver' commented one tired but happy runner.

There was even a lady specially trained to treat blisters, who was kept rather busy! For their efforts, RNLI runners were also treated to showers, food, refreshments and the chance to relax at the bar and catch highlights of the run on video.Marathon man Every year over 130 people pound the streets of London raising around £80,000 for the lifeboats.

Just one example is William Hadley, who has been running for the RNLI since 1998 and, in that time, has funded a D class lifeboat from the proceeds. He gives us the inside story on the trials and tribulations of taking on 'the marathon'...

When I first told a group of friends that I was going to run a marathon some of them laughed so much I thought they would be sick! It was not a good omen the day I got up for my first Sam run either - I stepped out of the house into rain and wind. To start with I ran just a few miles a day and built my distance up from less than ten miles a week to over 50 in the last weeks before the race.

I had planned my training, followed my plan, eaten well, slept lots and was fully prepared. So on the big day, when I'd finally got through the start gate after shuffling forwards for eight minutes, I knew I should have jogged slowly and warmed up for the first couple of miles - but I ran like a hare and was out of breath in no time.

By the time I crossed Tower Bridge, which is around the halfway mark, I was back under control and enjoying the support of the crowd. Docklands was hard work - with 18 miles behind me and eight to go my body started to complain. Finally I was running up Bird Cage Walk and the end didn't seem to be getting any closer but I could feel an eight-foot stick of celery right by my side (another runner dressed in a weird costume) and there was no way he was going to have me in the last 250m. I pushed hard and went as fast as I could, crossing the line in tears.

I finished in 3 hours and 37 minutes, coming in around 12,000th. I have never felt such an emotional high. It had been seven months of fundraising, training through the winter, not even knowing if I had it in me to finish. I had managed what so many people had said I should not even try.

I have now run seven marathons and a 32 mile canal run at Grantham last year, raising over £11,500.

Now the D class is paid for I have decided to take a year off from running marathons. This will be a great relief to many of my sponsors who feel a pain in the wallet each time they see me.

I have a wife and three marvellous kids (and another on the way) who's support has been unerring and I could not have done it without them.

For now they deserve some of rny time but, who knows, maybe another D class will carry my name in the future.The kayak kid Ten-year-old Lousie Wade from the Isle of Mull in Scotland raised over £700 for the RNLI in September when she took to the water in her kayak and paddled six and a half miles from Mull to the Isle of Staffa.

With safety always at the forefront of his mind, Louise's dad, Trevor, meticulously planned the expedition and accompanied her on the way along with big sister Theresa while Rosie took photos from a support vessel.

Trevor said that he never imagined they would do the trip so quickly but the wind and swell were with them and the 'paddle' was completed in only two hours and 17 minutes.Lifeboat-related reading Riders of the storm - the story of the RNL1 by Ian Cameron Price £20.00 ISBN: 0 297 60790 1 This fully illustrated book gives the authorised history of the RNLI, bringing inspiring tales of dedication and courage. As well as giving a feast of human stories, Cameron also recounts how lifeboat technology has advanced over the years. Copies are available at the special price of £15 (inc. p&p UK only) by phoning (01903) 828503 and quoting reference: JARS.

Behind the scenes at Scrapheap Challenge by Robert Llewellyn Price: £16,99 ISBN: 07522 19995 Teams from the latest series of the hit Channel 4 show are featured in this colourful book including the RNLI's very own Storm Force team, who emerged victorious from the egg shooters challenge. Available from all good bookshops.

A lifeboat year - wrecks, rescues and events from the history of the RNLI by Barry Cox Price: £10.99 (plus £1.50 p&p) ISBN: 1 901313 13 1 A lifeboat year tells the story of the lifeboat service from its earliest days up to the present.

Every day of the year is represented by an exciting rescue, event or news item from the annals of the RNLI. Copies available from: Historic Military Press, Freepost SEA 11014, Pulborough, West Sussex RH204BR.

Also available: They also served - the story of Sussex lifeboats at war 1939-1945 by Martin F Mace Price: £4.99 (inc. p&p) ISBN: 1 901313034 Copies available from Historic Military Press, address as before.

Suffolk's lifeboats - a portrait in postcards and photographs by Nicholas Leach Price: £7.99 (plus 75p p&p) ISBN: 1 90413600 1 Available from John Nickalls Publications, Oak Farm Bungalow, Sawyers Lane, Suton, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 9SH.

The history of the Brighton lifeboats Coverack lifeboats 1901-1980 by Jeff Morris Copies of both books are available from Jeff for £3.50 each (inc.

p&p) at 14 Medina Road.

Coventry CV6 5JB.

The RNLI and the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund both received cheques for £475 in March as the result of a fire engine pull from Cheltenham to Tewksbury. The event saw Cheltenham branch members, together with local fire fighters and friends, lend a hand to pull the engine though the streets.The King returns Over 120 Elvis lookalikes, gangsters, Vegas girls, and other Vegas-style characters attended a glitzy Viva Las Vegas' RNLI fundraising party on 10 November at Fifteen 05 in central London. The evening included a star performance from Elvis Brettini, who by all accounts was a true king. In addition there was a DJ playing until late, a fun money casino, and a Vegas lotto to win fabulous prizes. Perhaps the most memorable part of the evening was when all the Elvis lookalikes competed to see who was really the best- The event achieved some great publicity from the Elvis hour on Ritz Country Radio, LBC - the London Talk Station, and the Essential Elvis fanclub.

A themed party is being planned again for 2002 in central London, so call the event organiser on 020 7839 3385 if you would like to find out more.

Organisers and VIPs celebrate the third successful 'On the crest of a wave1 concert held at Ennts.

Co. Clare on 16 April 2001. Internationally acclaimed musician Phil Coulter (fourth leftl again topped the Dill helping the three concerts to raise a total of £25,000.

£25,000 - enough money to buy a D class lifeboat and an electronic chart systemAn excellent way for branches and guilds to raise money within their community is to ask groups, clubs, businesses and individuals to do a fundraising event for their branch or guild.

Just one example of how this is working is the fundraising friendship between Kensington branch and local resident, Mrs Cathy Ogden, who recently organised a successful 'night at the opera' in Kensington's Holland Park - raising a remarkable £53,000 for the branch.

The relationship began just over a year ago when the branch was looking for new supporters and committee members. Cathy was one of the individuals who responded and offered to look for a large event opportunity locally.

Cathy had devised a plan in next to no time - a series of operas are held every Summer in an openair arena at Holland Park with two evenings always set aside for charity gala events. Despite the fact that these slots were in high demand, Cathy managed to put in a successful bid for the RNLI However, one drawback was that the cost of the 800 seats, £22,000, had to be paid up-front! Undeterred, Cathy was confident that she could find sponsorship and could sell all the seats at £60 each.

She assembled an event committee, including a number of Kensington'branch members, and each representative was encouraged to find at least 30 friends to buy tickets. Each 'host' also had to invite their guests home after the show for a supper party.

Following much hard work, Cathy managed to raise £23,200 in sponsorship which comfortably covered the cost of the seats. A special cover was produced for the opera programme and local businesses were invited to advertise. This additional revenue, together with donations from those unable to attend, fully covered the costs of refreshments.

The end result was a splendid evening enjoyed by all. The weather was good and the opera, The Merry Widow, went down a storm.

Stalwart volunteers from Downend, Kmgswood and district branch give a smile for the camera while selling souvenirs at Bristol harbour regatta in August- Volunteers from South Bristol, Tetbury and Nailsea branches also put in hard work during busy weekend event, helping to raise nearly £2,000 for the lifeboats- RNLI sea safety representatives also had a prime spot at the event offering sound advice and information to sea users.

£2,000 - enough money to kit out one lifeboat with a GPS satellite navigator.

Rita Livesey, of Danish shoe company Ecco, hands over a £5,000 cheque to the RNLI's James Vaughan at the 2001 Southampton boat show. The company kindly donated €5 for every pair of 'Ocean Shoe' sold. The innovative sailing shoe, inspired by round-the-world yachtsman Pete Goss.

has been specially developed to cope with the rigours of wind, water and weather.

£5,000 - enough money to send 12 lifeboat crew members on introductory inshore lifeboat training..