The 12 miles of Christmas

While most people were enjoying a slow Sunday morning and a well-earned lie-in from rugby, a handful of our amazing (and slightly bonkers) players laced up their trainers and headed out for a 12-mile festive run. Why? To mix fitness with giving back – and to have a bit of fun along the way.

Setting off from Chalford and finishing in Nailsworth, the plan was simple and brilliantly quirky: stop every mile to sing the next verse of The 12 Miles of Christmas. Runners joined in along the route, peeled off when they’d done their stint, and even a few dogs got involved. Spirits were high, voices were loud, and festive cheer travelled the full 12 miles.

The grand finale came at Morrisons, where a group of tired, slightly sweaty runners in Minch kit arrived with £400 to spend on supplies for Stroud Food Bank. Shelves were respected (mince pies were spared where possible), but three very full trolleys made their way to the checkout – and a lot of good was done for people who really need it at this time of year.

What began as two players going for a Sunday run quickly turned into a proper club moment. As one runner put it, “It felt really good to do something so positive and spread a bit of goodwill.” We’re hoping this becomes an annual tradition – so fair warning, you’ve got a year to get fit.

It’s days like this that remind us what Minchinhampton Rugby Club is all about: community, kindness, and enjoying the game together. Merry Christmas and here’s to a brilliant New Year.