Express & Star

PICS - All smiles at annual charity race

A charity race postponed due to snow took place at the weekend, attracting almost 300 runners.

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The annual Action Heart Run which takes place from Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley

Action Heart 5 also raised at least £7,000 for the charity, which runs a cardiac rehabilitation programme at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.

The race was due to take place in March, but was called off due to weather conditions.

On Sunday, 280 runners set off from the start line at Russells Hall Hospital, before heading into Dudley, down Himley Road and into Pensnett.

It finished back at the start line with crowds of people cheering as the runners came in.

Joy Brown, from Action Heart, said: "It went very well and was well-attended considering it had to be rescheduled.

"The amount raised will go toward the charity's work helping people who are in cardiac rehabilitation."

The Action Heart Centre is based at the hospital. The service, which is separate from the NHS, has been running since 1978.

At any one time, the centre has around 600 users.

There is also an Action Heart Running Club, set up by a group of ex-service users.

It now has around 30 members, with many taking part in Sunday's race.

Ms Brown said: "We depend on support from volunteers and events such as the annual race, which has taken place since the 1980s.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has taken part."