Highland football referees to cover the distance Santa Clause has to travel between Lapland and Inverness via Caithness in aid of the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal
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Dozens of Highland football referees are hoping to collectively cover a distance of 1288 miles – the distance Father Christmas has to travel between Lapland and Inverness via Caithness – over two weeks for charity.
The Referee Reindeer Run in aid of the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas appeal has been organised by members of the North of Scotland Referees Association.
The challenge began on Saturday and is due to conclude on Sunday, December 13.
Referees are planning to cover the distance by running, walking, rowing and cycling during training sessions, as well as when playing in matches.
During a typical Highland League match, referees cover an average distance of between 5.5 and 6.5 miles.
Organiser Gordon Seago, who is a category three referee, said weather permitting, one of their members was planning to cycle from Wick to Inverness.
He and his colleagues were inspired by the number of fundraising events organised by other individuals and groups during lockdown, and decided they wanted to make their own effort during the festive season.
“We were wanting as many people involved as possible,” he said. “There are currently 35 participants, but more might come on board.”
The group hopes to raise £2500 in total over the two weeks of the challenge, with Mr Seago confident they can make the grade.
“We’ve got a hardy bunch of guys,” he said.
However he also added: “This is an all-inclusive event, open to all our members, not just for the Olympic runners.
“We have a Strava [exercise app] group set up for the referee association to track our progress on the journey.”
The launch of the event coincided with the opening games of the delayed Highland League season.
“Hopefully some of the guys that have given us referees abuse over the years would like to donate,” Mr Seago added.
Members of the North of Scotland Referees Association train at Queens Park Stadium and Bught Park in Inverness between 6pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday evenings.
Challenge updates will be posted online and participants’ progress can be followed via Facebook at www.facebook.com/North-of-Scotland-Referees-Association-102822844809995
• To make a donation, visit the fundraising website at www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/mfr-the-referee-reindeer-run
