Steve Cram has hailed the ‘amazing’ impact of the Worcester City Runs as thousands prepare for this year’s event. The track and field legend spoke as it was revealed that the annual fixture in the city’s calendar has raised more than £50,000 to support children and families through its charity partnership.
The Sutcliffe & Co Worcester City Runs has worked with Acorns Children’s Hospice since 2024, raising funds for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire. The charity and race organisers have now extended their partnership for another three years, taking it through to 2029.
Cram, who founded Worcester City Runs, said “When we first started working with Acorns, we were confident that this would be a great partnership, enabling us to use the Sutcliffe & Co Worcester City Runs to actively support such an important and deserving local cause.
“At the time, I visited the children’s hospice in Worcester, and I was hugely impressed and moved by the amazing work that the team there does for so many young people and families who are facing the most challenging times imaginable.
“We’re so pleased that our partnership has already raised such a lot of money to continue that, and we’re excited to be able to extend the relationship and build on its success.”
The Worcester City Runs, launched in 2014, are organised by Events of the North in collaboration with Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council, with sponsorship from insurance broker Sutcliffe & Co.
After a record turnout in 2025, this year’s two-day festival of running will take place on September 12 and 13, featuring the Worcester City 10K and Half Marathon, Young Athletes Runs, and Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track.
The partnership means Acorns will continue as the event’s official charity partner, raising funds by encouraging participants to run for the hospice or make donations, and providing volunteers to support the weekend.
‘Every pound helps’
Acorns operates three hospices in Worcester, Birmingham, and Walsall, offering specialist palliative care for children and support for families at home and in the community. The charity requires £40,000 each day to continue its services, with more than 75 per cent of funding coming from fundraising, donations, and its chain of charity shops.
Sophie Maggs, senior events manager at Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “We’re delighted that our partnership with Worcester City Runs is continuing for another three years.
“The event brings the local community together in such a positive way, and every pound raised helps Acorns provide specialist care and support for local children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Events of the North, everyone who takes part and all those who support the event. We look forward to cheering on this year’s runners and seeing what we can achieve together over the next three years.”
Acorns has sent large teams of fundraising runners to the Worcester City Runs each year since becoming the official charity partner and has helped recruit additional volunteers for the event.
Those interested in joining #TeamAcorns for this year’s runs can find more information at acorns.org.uk/worcestercityruns.
General entry for the 2026 Sutcliffe & Co Worcester City Runs is available at www.worcestercityrun.com
