General entries for the 2024 Oxford Half Marathon have sold out in record time with 11,000 runners signing up.
Those who have not yet secured their spot still have the opportunity to be involved as there are charity places available for the event which organisers anticipate will see more than 13,000 taking part.
Tickets for the race taking place on Sunday, October 13, have been on sale since mid-October last year.
Oxford Half Marathon runners coming down Banbury Road in 2023 (Image: Ed Nix)
The previous record for the fastest sell out was 11 months, but this has been blown away by this year's interest.
Event organisers, who also run the annual Blenheim Palace Triathlon, which will take place this weekend, confirmed the only way to secure a position for the half marathon is to run in support of one of the event's charity partners.
Among the national charity partners, led by Headline Charity Partner Cancer Research UK, are Alzheimer’s Society and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Local charity partners include Special Effect, Sobell House Hospice, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, SSNAP (Supporting sick newborn and their parents), Restore, Yellow Submarine, Helen & Douglas House and Oxford Hospitals Charity.
Oxford Half Marathon runners 2023 (Image: Ed Nix)
Ian Allerton, operations director, said: "We couldn’t be happier to see the continued popularity of the Oxford Half, as once again it sells out of general entries in record time.
"Each year the event is selling even quicker, which is testament to the quality of the organisation as well as the overall experience and route, which is perfect for both beginners, or those trying to secure a personal best through the historic streets of Oxford."
He added: "In Oxford, we place a huge importance on supporting charities and that’s why we have a large number of spots available to charities for this year’s half marathon, aiming to fundraise a considerable amount of money for worthwhile causes."
Oxford Half Marathon runners coming down Banbury Road in 2023 (Image: Ed Nix)
The route will begin in the city centre and pass through the sites of Old Marston village, the River Cherwell, Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall, before finishing on Parks Road.
The fast and flat course has become one of the most-popular half marathons in the UK, with large crowds providing support along the 13.1-mile route, and dozens of volunteers helping on the day.
Last year's event saw a record number of people take part as 13,000 runners took to the streets.
The men's race winner was Matthew Kearney, who completed the course in 1:06:31, whilst the first woman to cross the line was Steph McCall, who finished in 1:15:34.
Last year's top three wheelchair finishers were Tiaan Bosch, Gary Cooper, and Joanna Robertson.
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