The Challenge
What is Race from the North Pole?
Race from the North Pole is a brand new virtual Christmas event organised by Helen & Douglas House. A challenge where you pick the mileage and complete it in your own time between now and 19th December, in whichever location you decide. You can log your miles on our online platform and raise all important money for the families at Helen & Douglas House so they can have a magical Christmas.
What date is the event?
Race from the North Pole can be completed any time between now and 19th December. So don’t worry if you don’t quite get your miles in one week, you can add them to the next week. Or you can do the whole distance you pledge in one go. In order to receive a medal you’ll need to have raised £100 by 8th January, the medals will be sent out after this date.
Where is the event being held?
Race from the North Pole is a virtual event not a physical event, this means you can complete the mileage in your own time and on your favourite route! If you’re struggling for route suggestions take a look at www.mapmyrun.com for some ideas.
Why is it virtual?
Due to the worldwide pandemic, we are unable to organise our Santas on the Run event. We know this is a favourite among our supporters so we wanted to make sure you had something else to take part in. With Race from the North Pole being a virtual event, it means you can take part whenever and wherever you like. You can follow the 2m rule by walking lengths of your garden, we are trying our hardest to keep you safe but still able to get involved in the festivities.
Is there a minimum age?
Anyone can take part in Race from the North Pole, if you are under 16 then you will need to be accompanied by an adult.
What activity can I do?
Anything that can be measured in miles! Walk, cycle, scoot, hop, skip or run – the choice is yours. Just remember to record your mileage so you can log it in our online platform when you get home.
How much is registration?
Registration is FREE! There’s no minimum sponsorship target but we suggest that you raise £100, if you do you’ll receive a funky festive medal.
How do I sign up?
It’s easy, just sign up here
When can I sign up?
You can sign up anytime before 12th December.
Helen & Douglas House
Find out more about us
Click here to find out more about Helen & Douglas House
Fundraising
Do I have to fundraise?
There’s no minimum sponsorship target but we do encourage you to raise as much money as possible to help make a difference to the babies, children and families at Helen & Douglas House. Plus, if you raise £100 you’ll receive our Race from the North Pole medal.
When does my fundraising have to be in by?
To receive a Race from the North Pole medal you’ll need to have raised £100 by 8th January.
How do I pay in my fundraising?
When you sign up you will create a Just Giving page, any donations put onto this page will come directly to Helen & Douglas House. If you collect any offline sponsorship you can either add this to your online page, donate it via our website, send us a cheque (made payable to Helen & Douglas House) or take it to your local Helen & Douglas House shop. Just make sure you leave your name and reference ‘Race from the North Pole.’
Don’t forget, you can add any offline donations to your Just Giving page to keep track on your total amount, find out how here.
Is there a downloadable fundraising pack?
Yes! You can download fundraising materials here.
How do I win a prize?
There are four prize categories that you can enter into:
- Top fundraiser – the person that raises the most amount of money
- Highest mileage – the person that logs the most amount of mileage
- Best dressed – get creative and show us your best festive outfit, will you be a reindeer? A snowman? Christmas elf?
- Best photo shared on social media – use the #HDHRace and share your best photograph with us
Get involved to be in with a chance of winning some incredible prizes.
Logging my miles
What is Strava?
Strava is a training app which tracks and records your distance. You can find out how to use it by watching this video.
JustGiving is partnered with Strava, which means you can link your fundraising page to your Strava account, and your page will update automatically every time you complete an activity - that way your donors can see how you’re getting on! Fundraisers who use this feature raise an average 46% more.
What do I do if I don’t want to use Strava?
You can add your miles manually, just visit your fundraising page.
Further help
My question hasn’t been answered, who can I talk to?
If you still have questions, please get in contact with the events team at Helen & Douglas House by emailing events@helenanddouglas.org.uk.