OXFORD United fan Paul Cole faces a race against time on Sunday, as he aims to complete a 10km run in Oxford before hotfooting it to Wembley.

When trainee solicitor Mr Cole, 24, signed up to take part in the Oxford Town and Gown 10km run, in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, he knew there was a chance that if Oxford made it to the Conference play-off final he would face a clash of loyalties.

So when the U’s booked their place at Wembley with a 2-0 second-leg win over Rushden last Monday, he had to come up with a plan to make sure he was able to enjoy both.

Mr Cole, from Abingdon, said: “It just means I am going to have to run it a little bit quicker.

“I was hoping to have a little gentle jog around Oxford but I’m going to have to get a better time.”

The race starts at 10am while kick-off is not until 5pm.

Mr Cole, who is part of a 10-strong team of runners from the Oxford and Reading offices of solicitors Morgan Cole doing the run, is aiming to complete the course in 45 minutes to give him sufficient time to get to Wembley.

He said: “Hopefully, it will be a double celebration – a good time in the race and raising lots of money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, then possibly, more importantly, celebrating Oxford’s promotion.”

The former John Mason School pupil admitted he had briefly considered dropping out of the race but decided to keep his commitment.

He said: “They’ve provided us with some shirts to run the race in, but I would like to wear my Oxford shirt – if I can get away with it!”

The team is hoping to raise £1,500 for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Paul Brame, who will also be taking part, said: “As an organisation, we make every effort to support our chosen charities and take part in local fundraising events.

“We’ve been training hard for this event and hope our efforts will not only be rewarded with a decent finishing time, but most importantly by raising as much money as possible for this worthwhile cause.”

The Oxford Town and Gown run is now in its 29th year and more than 3,000 runners have signed up to take part.

It is hoped that about £100,000 will be raised for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign at this year’s event.

Entries for the race are now closed but more information is available from muscular-dystrophy.org/oxfordtownandgown