The Oxford Town and Gown 10K race will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2022 with preparations now well under way.
Event organisers hope the charity run on Sunday, May 8 will raise at least £180,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The race was started back in 1982 by Michael Cleaver who wanted to give back to Muscular Dystrophy UK.
The charity had provided Michael’s son Daniel - who lived with a muscle-wasting condition - with support over the years.
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The first race raised £8,300 and had 857 runners.
In 2020, the race was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic but last year more than 2,000 runners raced through Oxford streets to complete the Town and Gown.
The winners for the chipped event were Joe Morrow of Milton Keynes Distance Project who completed the run in 32.03, and Abigail Woolaston of Andover Athletics Club who finished with a time of 37.25.
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In order to improve social distancing, runners set off in waves, starting at 9am.
MDUK thanked it sponsors including Buzz Gym Oxford, Newton, North Oxford Garage, and Diligencia.
Over the last 40 years, the Oxford Town and Gown 10K race has become a calendar favourite for many runners across Oxford.
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Muscular Dystrophy UK took over management of the event in 1995.
Before that, it was organised by the Woodstock branch of the charity.
It is expected that more than 5,000 runners will take place this year, and adult entry costs £30.
More information on signing up can be found here: townandgown10k.com/oxford.
Large posters advertising the race can now be seen in Oxford, including those in Frideswide Square.
The race, with its picturesque stretch along the River Cherwell and University Parks finish, is a calendar favourite among both Oxford residents and the wider running community.
This year will see the return of veteran runners and volunteers, complete with a VIP tent where they can mingle.
Jessie Keighley, event manager for Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “Several developments over the decades mean this year’s Ruby Town and Gown will be better than ever.
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“It’s become a really key date in the locals’ calendar and we have a lot of loyal runners. We attract a real range of people because we are the only closed road 10K race in Oxford and it is a fast, flat course. It is also a fun event with a great atmosphere and is attended by plenty of fun runners so it’s appealing to the newer runner too.
"I think the beautiful, historic route is a real pull. There are a lot of dull courses out there, but the town and gown is not one of them!”
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