Nearly 800 runners gathered at Blenheim Palace on Sunday for this year’s OX5 RUN, with organisers expecting the event to raise more than £100,000 for the Oxford Children’s Hospital.
The annual five-mile charity run, organised by Oxford Hospitals Charity, brought together families, hospital staff and local businesses for one of Oxfordshire’s most established fundraising events.
Young patients start the race
This year’s run was officially started by two young patients, 13-year-old Eliza Hammond and six-year-old Elliott Williamson.
Elliott, from Beckley near Oxford, has recently completed treatment for leukaemia on Kamran’s Ward, which supports children with cancer.
His father, Guy, who ran as part of Team Kamran’s, said taking part was a way of giving something back.
He said:
“I ran the OX5 run as a small way to give back to the hospital that has done so much for us since Elliot was diagnosed with leukaemia eight months ago.
“His resilience, bravery and good humour in the face of all he is enduring is inspirational.”
Strong turnout from hospital teams and local groups
Teams from across the hospital and wider community took part, including:
- Team Haem (more than 60 runners)
- Children’s Radiology
- Oxford Vaccine Group
- Emergency Department
- Microbiology
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Families and local supporters were also joined by businesses including Penny and Sinclair, Oxford Science Park, Magnet Technology and Breckon & Breckon, which sponsored the event medals.
Race winners
The race was won by 15-year-old Edward Hare, running for Beth’s Bees, in a time of 29 minutes.
The women’s race was won by Erica Davison, representing Team Magnet Technology, in 30 minutes 58 seconds.
“A wonderful sense of community”
Organisers said the event was marked by a strong community atmosphere and favourable weather conditions.
Claire Hughes, Events Officer at Oxford Hospitals Charity, said:
“It was a glorious sunny day, with a wonderful sense of community and shared purpose.
“We are so grateful to all the teams of families, hospital staff and the local business community that came together at this special run.
“There was such a wonderful atmosphere, a real coming together, and we are thrilled at how many people seemed to really enjoy the whole day.
“Best of all our runners have worked so hard on their fundraising and we are on track to raise £100,000 or more to make a difference for our young patients.”
She also thanked Blenheim Palace for hosting the event and Get Radio for providing music and commentary.
Looking ahead to a milestone year
Next year’s OX5 RUN will mark the 25th anniversary of the event, with organisers hoping to attract past participants back for a special celebration.
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event | OX5 RUN |
| Location | Blenheim Palace |
| Participants | Nearly 800 |
| Distance | 5 miles |
| Funds raised | Expected £100,000+ |
| Organiser | Oxford Hospitals Charity |
| Male winner | Edward Hare (29:00) |
| Female winner | Erica Davison (30:58) |
