The OX5 RUN will return to Blenheim Palace on Sunday 18 April 2027 for its 25th event, raising money for Oxford Children’s Hospital and children’s services across Oxford University Hospitals.
Registration is open for the five-mile fundraiser, which participants can run, jog or walk. Oxford Hospitals Charity is inviting families, hospital staff and local businesses to take part, with teams and fancy dress encouraged.
At a glance
Date: Sunday 18 April 2027.
Venue: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, OX20 1UL.
Route: Five miles, open to runners, joggers and walkers aged 10 and over.
Times: Event village opens at 8.30am, warm-up at 10.15am and the run starts at 10.30am.
Entry: Super early bird prices are £25 for adults and £12 for children aged 10 to 16, for sign-ups before 1 December 2026. Check the booking summary for any service fee.
Registration: Enter the OX5 RUN through the official booking page.
A fundraiser that helped build the children’s hospital
The first OX5 RUN took place in 2003 as part of the appeal to build Oxford Children’s Hospital, which opened in 2007. The Oxford Mail helped organise the event in its early years.
According to the charity, the run has raised close to £2 million over its history. Since the hospital opened, proceeds have helped fund specialist medical equipment, facilities and activities for young patients and their families.
The fundraising also supports children’s care beyond the main hospital, including the Horton General Hospital children’s ward, emergency departments, paediatric critical care and the children’s rehabilitation team at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.
Laura King, head of fundraising at Oxford Hospitals Charity, said in the launch announcement: “The OX5 RUN really is part of Oxfordshire’s history. Many thousands of people have taken part over the years – some have even done every single run!”
She added: “We really want to make this an OX5 RUN to remember and hope that our wonderful local community will get behind it once again.”
Oxford recruitment consultancy Allen Associates is returning as headline sponsor. The charity says 2027 will mark its 15th year in that role.
Taking part and sharing your OX5 memories
The charity’s event information describes a tarmacked, accessible route that is pushchair friendly, with well-behaved dogs welcome on leads. Anyone with specific access questions can contact the organisers before booking.
Entry fees cover event costs, including parking, stewards, venue hire, timing, insurance and a finisher’s medal. Fundraising is separate: the registration page asks adults to raise at least £250 and children at least £100 to support children’s hospital care. Children must be booked with an adult.
Past participants are also being invited to share their OX5 RUN memories as the charity marks the milestone. Families, staff and business teams who have taken part over the years can contribute stories of what the event has meant to them.
Image credit: Oxford Hospitals Charity.
