The rain held off as more than 2,600 people made it a record-breaking year for the Oxford Mail Town and Gown Fun Run yesterday.

Members of The Ley Community drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Yarnton, near Kidlington make a big impression at the Oxford Mail Town and Gown Fun Run

Experienced runners rubbed shoulders with fun runners in fancy dress to take part in the 22nd 10k race in Oxford.

Entry fees for the race raised more than £20,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, and organisers estimate sponsorship could boost the total by about £10,000.

Oxford's new Lord Mayor, Pat Stannard, started the race at 10.30am, and a carnival atmosphere greeted runners as they made their way past Oxford University colleges, through the University Parks and along the banks of the River Cherwell.

First to cross the finish line was teacher Kevin Murphy, 29, of Headington, Oxford. He finished in 31 minutes and 47 seconds.

He was awarded £200 by the Oxford Mail's deputy editor Andy Chatfield.

Mr Murphy, who runs about 50 miles a week with Headington Road Runners, said: "I've beaten my personal best, so I'm really pleased.

"The race is great because it helps raise so much money for charity."

Fastest female runner was Mara Yamauchi at 34 minutes and 28 seconds.

Last to finish, at one hour and 45 minutes, were a team of workers from Blanchfords building merchants, who carried four large umbrellas displaying the company's logo.

A special 3.5k junior race also attracted about 100 youngsters, aged 14 and under.

Some of the biggest cheers of the day went to the many people wearing fancy dress costumes.

Fourteen workers and members of The Ley Community drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Yarnton, near Kidlington, took part, some dressed as film characters.

Support worker Gary Barton, 40, who dressed as a Zulu warrior, said: "This was about giving something back to community and helping to raise money for charity.

"This time last year, our members were either drug addicts or alcoholics. For them to do this race is a massive achievement."

Care worker Franky Brackett, 51, who is battling against throat cancer, received loud support from family and friends as he crossed the finish line, after one hour and one minute.

Mr Brackett, of Horspath, Oxford, said: "I've taken part in the race on and off for ten years and have been told that my fitness really helped me through. This has marked a real milestone for me. It's been wonderful."