A 68-YEAR-OLD runner has smashed his fundraising target following his 72km run past 25 churches within 12 hours. 

Eric Jager, who attends St Paul’s Church in Sherborne, decided to take on an ultramarathon ‘steeples chase’, to support vulnerable communities around the world. 

He is raising money for international development agency Christian Aid and set himself a £2,000 target – which he has almost doubled with more than £3,900 donated so far. 

Eric has previously completed several sponsored runs and says this one was his last before ‘real old age’ hits him.  

He enlisted friends from the Sherbourne Running Club SPFit and Trail Trotters runners to help him pace himself and navigate. 

“I decided to do this quadrathlon-style - running, jogging or walking from the start in Sherborne, through the Dorset countryside,” Eric said. 

“I set off at 6.08am and there was plenty of adventure on the way, including a very steep, slippery and muddy hill; sodden grass fields; and a totally flooded area, with a river current, which we had to wade through knee-deep. 

“We finished 30 minutes behind schedule, but comfortably within the 12 hours cut-off time. The whole day was a celebration of goodwill and camaraderie among many people who supported me and cheered us along the way.  

“The number of people who came out with me were more than I’d expected, and many of them stayed with me longer than they’d planned.  

“My thanks to everyone who supported and donated. I know every amount generously given will help support projects in the most vulnerable communities around the world.” 

Christian Aid supporters help millions of people in the most vulnerable communities transform their lives.  

Last year, the organisation reached 3.3 million people through 275 programmes, from savings and loans associations to farming co-operatives, and climate disaster risk training to healthcare schemes. 

Eric’s page will be staying open for a few more weeks – to make a donation, visit Eric's Steeple Chase - Christian Aid Fundraise.