Hundreds of runners are set to take part in this year’s OX5 RUN at Blenheim Palace this weekend, with organisers urging last-minute sign-ups before online registration closes.
The annual five-mile event raises vital funds for the Oxford Children’s Hospital and children’s services across the NHS Trust, with close to 800 participants already registered ahead of Sunday’s run.
Online entries close at midnight on Thursday 19 March, although a limited number of places will still be available on the day.
At a glance
- Event: OX5 RUN
- Location: Blenheim Palace
- Distance: 5 miles
- Date: Sunday (22 March 2026)
- Online entry closes: Midnight, Thursday 19 March
- Participants: Around 800 expected
- Sign up: ox5run.com.
A run with a personal meaning
The OX5 RUN is known for its strong community feel, with many participants taking part for deeply personal reasons.
This year’s event includes families with children currently receiving care at the hospital, alongside returning runners who take part each year in memory of loved ones or to give back following treatment.
Claire Hughes, Events Officer at Oxford Hospitals Charity, said the response had been encouraging.
She said:
“It’s great to see so many families have signed up for this year’s OX5 RUN, alongside the local Oxford business community.
“We also love having so many teams of hospital staff from across the whole NHS Trust joining us, it really makes for such a fantastic atmosphere on the day.”
Hospital teams taking part
Teams from across the hospital will also be taking part, including staff from:
- Haematology
- Microbiology
- Kamran’s Ward
- Oxford Vaccine Group
- Genetics
Senior Health Play Specialist Sonia Dugmore, who is running as part of a hospital team, said the charity plays an important role across services.
She said:
“The charity does so much for us here in Children’s Radiology and indeed across the whole of the children’s hospital. We work closely with them and it’s amazing to see the difference made by the funds they raise.”
Special guests to start the race
This year’s run will be officially started by Eliza and Charlie Hammond, who were both born with a rare eye condition and required major surgery to save their sight.
Their family has taken part in the event for the past 10 years, using the run as a way to thank the hospital for the care they received.
Open to runners, walkers and families
The OX5 RUN is designed to be accessible, with participants able to run, jog or walk the five-mile route around the Blenheim Palace grounds.
The event is open to:
- Adults and children aged 10 and over
- Runners, joggers and walkers
- Participants with pushchairs
- Dogs on leads
Why it matters
Funds raised from the event support projects that go beyond standard NHS provision, helping improve the experience of young patients and their families across Oxfordshire.
The final fundraising total will be announced after the event, along with details of how the money will be used.
