THE distance between Worcester and Ukraine was almost covered by dedicated runners who raised over £5,000 for refugees.

Worcester Athletic Club and Black Pear Joggers hosted the event on Sunday (March 20) at Nunnery Wood Sports Complex.

Runners of all abilities from across Worcester and beyond turned up to help contribute.

The goal was to run a total of 1,500 laps, representing the 1,500 miles between Worcester and Ukraine.

Stefan Sternkopf sports massage therapist and organiser of the event, praised the "amazing team effort" as the goal was smashed with 4,282 laps covered by the athletes.

Worcester News: Stefan Sternkopf, organiser of the event.Stefan Sternkopf, organiser of the event.

He said: "It was just the most beautiful day with so many amazing people involved.

"Everybody who turned up and donated showed their support, generosity, kindness and love in such an unprecedented time.

"We had toddlers, kids, speedy adults and even elderly members of the community with walking sticks on the track contributing to the total. 

"It really was a team effort."

The 4282 laps that were completed equates to 1,070 miles, just 430 miles away from Worcester to Kyiv.

Donations are being raised via a JustGiving link and were also taken in cash at the event.

Athletes could turn up at any point throughout the day and run as many laps as they wanted, with somebody stationed on the track counting the number of laps ran.

The event began at 9am and finished at 5pm. 

To donate to the fundraiser you can visit the JustGiving link here.