OXFORD United coaches Darryl Cribben and Kevin Warland like to stay match-fit.

And they are maintaining their fitness levels by preparing for a long distance challenge – the Oxford Half Marathon.

The pair will be taking part in the gruelling 13.1-mile race on Sunday, October 13 to raise cash for official race charity Helen and Douglas House hospice.

Dad-of-two Mr Cribben, senior youth scout for Oxford United, told the Oxford Mail: “I was going to do the half marathon anyway and I thought why not raise money for Helen and Douglas House too.

“The club has supported the charity in the past. It is quite an amazing place.

“I have been there a couple of times. It is unbelievable the actual situation that some of the families are in. The families just get that well-deserved rest and they’re in a place where they are loved and cared for.

“You can see it on the children’s and parents’ faces.”

Mr Cribben will run the route around the city with Mr Warland, Oxford United’s under-16s Centre of Excellence coach from Marston, Dan Smith, 34, from Northway, and James Taylor, 40, from Sandhills. The half marathon, taking place for the third year in a row, takes runners through the city and starts and finishes at Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium.

More than 4,000 people so far are registered to take part.

Dad-of-two Mr Warland, 42, said: “The club gives money to charities and Helen and Douglas House is one of those, so it makes sense.

“This is my first time running a half marathon – I have done 10ks before. Training is not too bad, we are up to 10 miles.”

Mr Cribben from Sandhills, will run the half marathon, his first, the day after his 41st birthday.”

To sponsor the group visit justgiving.com/darryl-cribben To learn more or register for the run, visit oxfordhalfmarathon.com and for event information visit oxfordmail.co.uk/halfmarathon