DANCE instructor Geor-ge Martini wants people taking part in this year’s OX5 Run to make sure they stay fit as the icy conditions continue.

Mr Martini has once again been hired to host the warm-up for the five-mile run, which raises money for the Oxford Children’s Hospital, in Headington, Oxford.

The dance tutor wants runners to get toned up before they start serious training and says zumba – a Latino-inspired dance style – is the perfect way to get fit.

He said: “It’s not great weather for running at the moment, with all the snow and ice on the ground, so dancing is a good alternative way to get fit.

“The dancing gets your whole body toned up, it’s great fun and you will lose a few calories along the way.

“I think this would be a good way to start getting fit until the weather clears and people can then start to step up their training for the OX5 Run.

“I’m really looking forward to warming up the runners on the day itself – I think the children’s hospital is a very good cause.”

Mr Martini runs classes in Oxford at the Regal, in Cowley Road, on Tuesdays at 6.30pm and at SS Peter and Paul’s Church Hall, in Elms Parade, Botley, on Wednesdays at 7.30pm, and at Bar iZi, in High Street, Witney, at 7pm on Thursdays.

Organisers want more than 1,000 runners to enter this year’s five-mile race around the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock on Sunday, April 18.

Last year, more than 700 runners raised about £57,000, making it the most successful yet.

Witney MP David Cameron started the race and then joined runners to complete the course himself.

Penny Hambridge, children’s development officer at the hospital, said: “We are delighted that George will be returning to do his ever popular warm-up.

“It’s a great way to help prepare the runners for the five-mile challenge and George’s unique style adds something special to the event.

“We are hoping to make this year's run the most successful yet and hope all Oxford Mail readers will sign up and take part.

“In the grip of all this snow and ice it can be hard to think about training — but knowing you are running for such a great cause is fantastic motivation. Every penny raised will make a very real difference to some of the poorly children in our region.”

The money raised will be used to buy toys and equipment.