A BURNHAM-on-Sea runner has returned from New York after he jetted off to compete in the New York City half marathon. 

Jason Vickers, 48 from Burnham-on-Sea completed his 54th half marathon on March 19 in just under three hours and has raised more than £23,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society in the last ten years. 

Mr Vickers, who has worked at Burnham Tesco for the last 18 years said he receives a lot of the donations for his runs from customers who shop at the Tesco store and has always had a passion for running. 

"The race went really well and I had a great time. 

"I have always really enjoyed running and have completed nine Great North runs which were all fantastic.

"I find that running has helped me a lot with my Crohn's disease and I just really enjoy competing in races.

"I have won 86 medals from the races I have competed in over the last ten years and have more races lined up for later this year."

The enthusiastic runner says he aims to raise £25,000 by the time he runs another half marathon in Taunton on April 2. 

"Multiple sclerosis has always been a cause that is quite close to my heart as a relative of mine passed away from it in 1984. 

"I sometimes run races to raise money for charity but sometimes I do them just for fun. 

"New York is the furthest I have ever travelled for a race before and it was a lovely run to have been on. 

"The half marathon started on Central Park and went round to Times Square and finished on the Brooklyn Bridge which was just amazing."

Mr Vickers said he has no plans to stop running anytime soon and already has three races planned over the next few months. 

"If anyone wants to sponsor me for my races they can find me in Burnham-on-Sea Tesco."