New records were set at this year's Ox5Run in aid of the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign.

The event, organised and sponsored by The Oxford Times and the Oxford Mail, attracted its largest entry to date, with 720 people taking part, and entry fees and sponsorship are set to top a record-breaking £10,000.

Competitors in last year's event, which took place in March, faced hailstorms and snow but this year those running around the Blenheim Palace circuit in Woodstock enjoyed near perfect weather.

The Duke of Marlborough started this year's run as seasoned athletes set off pursued by parents pushing baby buggies and teams in fancy dress.

First to complete the undulating five-mile course was Kevin Murphy, 31, who last month won the 10km Town and Gown fun run for the third time.

The history teacher from Wheatley Park School, who runs for Headington Road Runners and Woodford Green, finished in 25 minutes and 30 seconds.

He said: "The weather was lovely and I admired the views as I went round."

His wife Jenni, 28, ran the race "just for fun" and finished in 43 minutes.

Will Joyce, 26, of Telford Athletic Club, was second, with a time of 26 minutes and 49 seconds while Henry Alty, 19, a student at Oxford University's Worcester College, finished seconds later in third.

Nikki Slater, 28, of Oaks Mead, Carterton, was in fifth place and was the first woman to complete the course.

The accountant, who is a member of Witney Road Runners, said: "This was nearly my best time and I am very pleased with it considering the course was so hilly."

A small number of spectators were incorrectly charged an admission fee. Please contact Margaret Marsh on 01865 425384 to arrange a refund.