IT IS one of Oxfordshire’s most popular races, with more than 3,000 fun runners and athletes pounding the streets of Oxford.

But without an army of volunteers doing everything from handing out water to acting as marshals, the Oxford Town and Gown could not happen.

The Oxford Mail-backed 10km race has raised more than £1m for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign in the last 31 years.

This year about 150 volunteers are needed to help put on the event, and the call has gone out for about 50 more people to join those already signed up.

Fifty cadets from the Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force have already put themselves forward.

Cadet leader Steve Dixon said: “The Oxford Town and Gown 10km is for an important cause, and one which I feel the cadets should be supporting as much as possible.

“Volunteering is beneficial for any teenager, instilling a sense of community and pride in themselves, as well as important life skills.”

Among the team of Army cadets taking part will be Kayne Chambers-Blucher, 18, from Cowley in Oxford.

He said: “It should be a really good day, and a nice opportunity to be able to help a good cause.”

Air cadet Naomhan Har, 16, from Barton, Oxford, will also be helping out at the event on Sunday, May 12.

He said: “Volunteering is a great thing to do with your spare time. Recently the cadets have been helping to restore an old Vulcan bomber, and now some of us are going to help out at the race.

“It seems like an enjoyable way to help out a charity.”

The Lions Club of Osterley, in West London, will also be sending a contingent to help out.

Lions Club district governor John Savell, who lives in Thame, will be there to lend his support.

Lions member Meena Gupta said: “We see any help we can give the Oxford Town and Gown 10km race as an honour and a valuable opportunity to help such a worthy cause.”

People are needed to help put up signs, balloons and banners and man the charity village area, to look after runners’ kit, to act as start marshals, cheer on runners, man water stations and hand out goodie bags at the end.

The charity’s challenge events manager Toya Champ said: “From those who brave an early start to ensure a safe, well-signed route for our runners, to those who join us to give their vocal chords a wor- out and cheer on participants, our volunteers make the event what it is.

“We are hugely grateful to the Army cadets, Air Force cadets and Lions Club for their help on the day.

“However, there are plenty of spaces left for volunteers,” she added.

“We hope Oxford residents will join us on Parks Road and help to make this a race to remember.”

l Anyone who would like to volunteer should email events@muscular-dystrophy.org or call 020 7803 4820