Run Report: Reindeer Run Christmas 2025

Thanks to Emma Makin for arranging this event and for the write-up below:

Not so much a race report, but an annual KADS tradition and one which I hope continues. On Monday 22nd December, 15 KADS took a trip up the motorway to Alfreton to run Alfreton Jogging Club (AJC)'s Reindeer. The 4.4 mile course creates a rather stunning strava reindeer.

After a year out, the Reindeer was back for its 10th Birthday. Unlike previous years where we could just turn up, this year it required booking. This was purely for safety and one I think we can appreciate as there are no road closures (just a few bemused drivers). 

We started at the Health Centre, making sure all of us started our watches/strava at the lamppost before making our way down Alfreton high street. Initially we started running as a large group at a steady pace, chatting away as we ran. About half way round, the group split into two (the organisers did this). The groups cheering each other along when our paths crossed. It certainly looked like there was a party at the back as they were singing their way around!

One mighty hill to finish, then the reindeer was complete (unless the GPS Gremlins have other ideas as Sarah-Jane found out). Medals could be purchased for £6, monies raised all going to Derbyshire Mountain Rescue. If you want a social, fun run, this is the run for you. It's also free. We need to say a massive thank-you for Alfreton Jogging Club who provide numerous run leaders for it. We also need to say well done to their two collies who ran up and down the group multiple times to check everyone was having a good time and most importantly was safe.

Continuing another KADS tradition, we enjoyed a pub tea and a chat in the local Wetherspoons to finish up.