HARDY runners braved the freezing weather to raise cash for a Worcester hospice.

Billed as a social run before Christmas, about 35 runners jogged five miles (3.2km) around the estate at Top Barn Farm, near Hallow.

Runners brought festive cheer with them despite the frozen lake and sub-zero temperature with one or two defiantly wearing their shorts.

The event was in aid of St Richard’s Hospice, with all the registration fees going to the charity that helps care and support people and their families dealing with a life-limiting illness.

Oli Davey, owner of Top Barn Farm’s sports equipment store Runaround, provided the venue and course markings.

“People are not really here to take it seriously, it’s a bit of fun,” he said. “It’s twice around the lake and there’s a couple of really nasty hills we’ve not told anybody about. People get round in about 30 to 50 minutes.”

This was the second year the run had gone ahead on the final Sunday before Christmas after Worcester Athletic Club’s David Hibbitt came up with the idea.

“There aren’t many races on the last Sunday before Christmas here so I said we’ll have a run and sent invites out to all the local running clubs and here we all are,” he said.