The challenge will begin in May 2026. Credit: Paws Xaló Dog Rescue
From the chilly shores of northern Europe to the sunny south of Spain, Lee Harker is gearing up for an extraordinary charity challenge that few would dare to take on. The British runner plans to cover more than 4,500 kilometres across six countries —Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Spain— in an epic endurance mission he has named “Running for Paws.”
His goal isn’t to set records, but to raise funds for Paws Xaló Dog Rescue in Jalon, Alicante, with the dream of creating a new project called Paws4Ever. This future sanctuary will provide a loving, comfortable home for elderly dogs whose owners have passed away or who simply need a peaceful place to spend their twilight years.
The challenge will begin in May 2026, once Lee finishes his current work contract. Starting in Skagen, at Denmark’s northernmost point, he will run all the way to Tarifa, Spain’s southern tip, hoping to complete the journey in around four months.
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His brother Neil Harker shared the news with Euro Weekly News with pride and humour:
“My brother is on the run again, and this time he’s taking it to a different level! … He’s running from the top of Denmark to the bottom of Spain—all for the charity closest to his heart: the doggos!”
Lee is covering all the travel costs himself to ensure that 100 per cent of donations go directly towards creating the new shelter. “Every step will be for them,” he says, adding that his mission is to give senior dogs a warm and homely environment, far from the cold, lonely floors of traditional shelters.
Supporters can help by donating, sharing his campaign, or simply cheering him on along the way.
Every step for a pawprint.
More information and donations: Running for Paws – Paws4Ever Campaign