Thousands of runners and volunteers will benefit from a special shuttle bus service this weekend as Oxford Bus Company helps keep the city moving during the Oxford Half Marathon.
Services will operate from Pear Tree and Redbridge Park & Ride sites, as well as a temporary Park & Ride at Unipart, transporting participants and spectators directly to University Parks, close to the marathon start line.
Shuttles begin at 7am on Sunday, with organisers advising passengers to arrive by 7:30am to allow enough time to reach the start area ahead of the race.
Supporting the City’s Biggest Charity Run
More than 10,000 runners are expected to take part in this year’s Oxford Half Marathon, which winds through the city centre and past iconic landmarks, including Old Marston village, the River Cherwell, Lady Margaret Hall, and Parks Road, where the race finishes.
Oxford Bus Company’s own driver Mark Temple will be among the runners, tackling the 13.1-mile course to raise money for Sobell House, which provided care for his father and his wife’s grandmother before they passed away.
“Sobell House did so much for our family,” Mark said. “Running the Half Marathon is my way of saying thank you and giving something back.”
Oxford Bus Company is sponsoring Mark’s run as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local charities and community events.
Shuttle Details
- Routes: Pear Tree Park & Ride, Redbridge Park & Ride, and Unipart (temporary site) → University Parks
- First shuttles: 7:00am
- Recommended arrival: By 7:30am
- Website: www.oxfordbus.co.uk
“A wonderful event for Oxford”
Luke Marion, Managing Director at Oxford Bus Company, said:
“More than 10,000 people are set to take part in this weekend’s Oxford Half Marathon, a wonderful event where runners represent a variety of charities through a scenic route across our city.
As in previous years, we’re proud to support the event by providing increased Park & Ride services, making it easier for runners, volunteers and spectators to get to where they need to be.”
He added:
“We encourage everyone to plan their journey in advance and check timetables on our website. And of course, we wish all participants, including Mark, the very best of luck.”
Mark’s Next Challenge
Last year, Mark completed a half ironman in Somerset, a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and a half marathon, to raise funds for charity. His next goal? A one-day charity cycle ride from Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC, to Oxford’s Kassam Stadium in 2026.
