RUNNING nun Sister Augustine Peters will be stepping out for the Dorchester Lions Club Fun Run on May 2.

She has raised about £10,000 for charity since tackling her first race in 1984.

Now she has urged others in Dorchester to sign up for the annual Sunday morning fundraiser.

Sister Augustine, who runs in her habit and trainers, said: “I love the fun run.

“I look forward to it every year. I like the people and the Lions are wonderful for all that they do.”

She added: “I think everyone should do the fun run.”

Sister Augustine first took part when she taught at the St Genevieve’s Convent in Dorchester, which closed in 1995. She has returned to Dorchester to run in the race from her home in Falmouth.

In Cornwall, she works with recovering alcoholics and drug addicts.

She runs in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care and the Dorchester Poverty Action Group.

Lions Club of Dorchester and District spokesman Ken Otter said: “Over the 24 years she has been taking part in the fun run, she has raised approximately £10,000.

“What an incredible achievement.”

Sister Augustine added: “It feels great to have raised that much because it means that so many people have benefited.”

The fun run – which is based at the Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre in Coburg Road – will feature five-mile, two-mile and one-mile events.

It is open to individuals and groups with a minimum of four runners, and is for runners of various ages.

Many runners don fancy dress.

Sponsorship is split between the Lions and the runners’ own nominated good causes.

Registration is from 9am before a warm-up routine with Lindsay Beale, fancy dress judging and the start of the run at 10.30am.

Registration and sponsorship forms are available from Goulds Fashion and Household Stores in South Street, the Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre and the Tourist Information Centre in Antelope Walk, or at lionsdorchester.org.uk