A cross-country half marathon is set to feature a 10k run for the first time this year.

The Otmoor Challenge has been attracting runners for more than 40 years, raising funds for charities, village halls, churches and interest groups.

The event travels through six of the seven Otmoor towns and offers panoramic views of Otmoor's wetland nature reserve.

Having digitised the timing process last year, the organisers are now ready to welcome a broader group of runners.

A 10k run will take place in addition to the traditional half marathon on June 1.

This addition is expected to entice a number of 5k park runners and those who might find a half marathon daunting.

This change is aiming to make the event more accessible.

The inaugural Otmoor Challenge 10k will run in parallel with the half marathon.

The event started in 1980 when Colonel Shephard, then a senior officer at the Army depot in Bicester and a resident of Horton cum Studley, designed a run and walk around Otmoor to allow entrants to raise money for charities of their own choice.

The event has run annually since then and is organised by volunteers.

Those who would like to volunteer are invited to get in touch using the "get involved" page on the event's website.