Issue 149

Record smashing night for RAG

20th November 2006

The Beer Race is always RAG's biggest event, which raises the majority of the funds they donate to charity each year. It's also one of the biggest nights on the student calendar. Freshers may not be familiar with it, but by final year it's understood that this is a big deal. No other event better brings together the things that students love best - dressing up and drinking.

This year's race saw some great costumes, from a full range of Disney Princesses, insects of various sorts, Thomas the Tank Engine, Barbies in boxes, a set of table and chairs and several casts of the Wizard of Oz through to a pack of cards, army girls and this years winners, the iPod Nanos, who wore coloured boards and white earphones while blacking their entire bodies.

This years quickest time was not a record breaker. The massive Team America manged to get round in 27 minutes.

Considering RAG raised more money in one night than they did all year last year, the lengthened time is really a success as it shows more people are running the beer race. RAG also managed to recruit plenty of stewards for the event, making it a real community effort.

The Beer Race is one of those student events that even registers on the non university radar; it was being discussed on The Wave, a local radio station, during the morning, which just goes to show what a massive event it has become in Swansea.

With all the promotion of responsible drinking, soft drinks can now be downed during the race, which may help students who are in it to win it by speed.

Waterfront did have a team who entered this year. Dressed as themselves in Waterfront t-shirts, they clocked a respectable time of 35 minutes and ran the entire course. There was a real party atmosphere at the end of the race which was being enjoyed by locals as well as students.

The Beer Race is most importantly a major charity event. Money is raised for several charities, but this year the main support is going to SOS Africa. They work with individuals, schools and other organisations to become involved with the charities work and sponsor a child through education.

This years event raised almost £19,000 - more than all of last years events put together - including £4,000 collected on the night at the door of time.

When received by the charity, the money will be used to offer children a sound education, in a decent school, with no more than 20 people in a class - which contrasts to the 200 that can be found in some township school houses. The money is also used to buy and provide equipment, such as school uniforms and sports gear, plus books and classroom equipment. Transport is provided to get children safely to and from school every day.

Children also get basic medical cover, including three annual visits to a doctor and a dentist. They are provided with vitamins and supplements important to maintaining good health.

All in all, a great event. Long may Swansea RAG host the Beer Race in years to come!

Charlie Duff