Tonight's run is all about community spirit, something runners have in abundance.

Ukraine has dominated our news for past few weeks and so many of us have watched helplessly from our living rooms as families have become displaced and having to flee to safety.

Just like us, Ukraines love to run. So many local running groups can be found. Here are just two examples I found online: Club Name: I LIKE RUNNING (VINNYTSIA) About the Club:

'We love running in the morning, in the evening, in rain, snow and heat, because we believe that running is the only sport that anyone can do'

Club Name: RIVNE RUNNING (RIVNEA) About the club: 'Our mission is to make people healthy and happy by getting them involved in running. We organize training sessions for amateur runners, open trainings and a few big health races on a yearly basis, which always have a charitable cause'

This sounds so familiar to so many of our local groups out tonight!

Lytchett Striders were the organisers behind it tonight with Carol from the club being the starting point.

Aside from Goodgym, also in attendance was Oakdale Runners who brought there weekly run to here, Poole AC who brought a club run down especially offering a speedier longer run for those who wanted it, RunFAR with special blue buffs and apparently even Hash Harriers were in the crowds. I even chatted to a elderly lady who was having a gentle jog who told me she had seen it in The Echo and wanted to join everyone to do something.

There was walkers and runners from 5k - 10k distances and a vast array of abilities, experience and life stories. But this was Run For Ukraine. A chance to reflect on how grateful we are to have our freedom and safe homes. A chance to think of our European neighbours who are suffering so much hardship right now.

As we arrived in the park, there was a buzz in the air as people were all gathering by The Ark. Warm friendly greetings between runners, walkers and across different groups and clubs. A cake table was being carried out and donations of cake passed onto a large table.

It was a sea of blue and yellow (in many cases high vis!) to represent the national flag colours of Ukraine.

Lytchett Striders set the plan out and groups headed off into fading light with torches being turned on.

From the back of the pack, I had the privilege of seeing a beautiful sight across the water of Baiter. 100s of runners were a silhouette moving but the headtorches and chest lights reflecting into the still water creating a movement of coloured lights. The pictures sadly do not show how amazing this really was to see with a naked eye but it was a scene enjoyed by many at the back of the pack.

5k routes stuck atound Baitor and the park whilst 5mile groups headed off towards sandbanks. No one was left alone or without company.

Back at The Ark the cake table was full to brim of fresh made cakes and biscuits, topped up with shop donations from many that came. In the middle was the big cash jar already brimming with donations of £5!

Delighted to see the total raised last night was already at £3000 before the run happened and still rising!

If you would like to donate, the link is here; https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carol-baker7?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=carol-baker7&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=70f8c59916f84f3e85f7b592382fc234

Well done to everyone who joined tonight, showing our support for Ukraine.