Oxford Half entry prices for 2025 have risen to a total nearly as high as the London Marathon following a record number of runners at this year's event.
Tickets went on sale immediately following this year’s event, which took place on Sunday, October 13, starting at £49 for 2025.
Now only the final few tickets remain with early entry prices sold out.
Ticket prices are tiered and price increases happened "sooner than expected", which organisers say is due to an "already huge demand".
The London Marathon costs £69.99 to enter if you live in the UK.
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The last available tickets for the Oxford Half 2025 cost £66.03 - which includes a £4.03 admin fee - just £3.96 less than the London Marathon.
Ticket prices include a medal, T-shirt and chip timing.
One anonymous runner from Oxfordshire, who has taken part for the last two years, was disappointed to see the prices had increased but stated they were "not surprised".
“The race sold out in record time this year so it’s not surprising to see the prices have increased ahead of 2025,” she said.
“It’s disappointing as the prices are nearly matching that of the London Marathon but I understand it has become an extremely popular event that many people want to take part in.
“I signed up for the earliest release but it sold out so quickly that I missed it and ended up paying £10 more.”
According to Motiv Sports, the organisers of Oxford Half, annual price rises are 'standard' for participation events.
It said prices have been kept to a "minimal amount" despite the "significant increase in operational and running costs".
The race had 13,000 runners registered this year and sold out in record time.
Just over 9,500 runners actually took part on the day, however organisers say there is "always a stable drop-off from entrants".
Ionna Bezirtzoglou, a runner who lives in Oxford, said she was planning on running the Oxford Half next year, but decided not to due to the prices being "way too expensive".
"I understand a lot of the prices have risen due to popularity of running and races but I think it needs to be capped to an affordable price, or at least when you buy a year in advance to not be that expensive," she told the Oxford Mail.
"For the big half marathon - such as those part of the super half scheme - I get why they might be more expensive.
"Although anything above £60 altogether I consider way too much for a half.
"As a student, it's getting to be a very expensive hobby."
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A spokesperson for Motiv Sports, the organisers of Oxford Half, said there has been a "significant demand" for next year's event.
"The popularity of running events across the country has risen substantially in recent years, and has resulted in an increase in early ticket sales across the industry," they said.
"2025’s Oxford Half is already on track to sell-out of general entries in record time, for a third year in a row.
"Annual price rises are standard for participation events, and have been kept to a minimal amount despite the significant increase in operational and running costs to deliver a premium, closed-road running event in Oxford city centre."
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