DOZENS of runners have been racing across the North-East to try eight different Parkrun routes on the same day.

A total of 44 runners from Elvet Striders, a running club based in Durham City, and Durham and Sunderland Parkruns, took part in the event to raise money for Acorns children’s hospice.

They took part in eight different five kilometre routes – adding up to a running distance of 25 miles.

The team, which ran a total of 740 miles, set off at 8am and completed runs in Sunderland, South Shields, Whitley Bay, Wallsend, Gateshead, Gibside, Chester-le-Street and finishing at Maiden Castle in Durham City.

Runner Louise Porter said: “I never would have believed that I could run 25 miles in one day, but being part of such a great group of people who supported each other and kept smiling every step of the way despite aching legs, made it a special day raising money for a very good cause.“

They were helped along by a support team of Ken Hughes and Chris Chalkley, from Shadforth Village in County Durham, who provided food.

Parkrun is a free event, which takes place every week at venues across the country.

So far the runners have raised more than £1,700 for the charity, which has three hospices in the Birmingham area. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/TeamAcorns2016GNR