RUNNERS who raised money to help sick children by taking part in this year’s OX5 Run have picked up their race trophies at Oxford Children’s Hospital.

More than 850 people took part in the five-mile run around the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on Sunday, April 18.

It was the most successful run sincethe event, which is backed by the Oxford Mail, began in 2002.

Fundraisers at the hospital say £30,000 has been collected so far – about half way towards this year’s target of £65,000, which will be used to buy new equipment and toys for patients.

This year Allsports Trophies in Radley provided several new cups to encourage more people to take part, and the winners picked up their prizes on Thursday.

Oxford Mail newspaper sales manager Margaret Marsh said: “It’s great because it definitely encouraged more people to take part.”

Nicola Gomm, 48, of Ascott-under-Wychwood, said she was delighted to pick up the cup for the first female runner to finish the course.

A member of Witney Road Runners, she signed up for the event weeks before the race.

Just days before the run, Ms Gomm’s 12-year-old son Wilfred needed surgery after contracting septic arthritis.

He convinced his mother that she should still take part in the race, and Mrs Gomm went on to win the fastest female title, completing the five miles in just 34 minutes and two seconds. She said: “I never expected to win it, but it was great, because Wilfred was incredibly proud of me.

“There was a lovely atmosphere on the day with such a good mix of people taking part – but to be honest I didn’t hang around for long afterwards. I just wanted to get back to my son.”

Penny Hambridge, the hospital’s fundraiser, said: “This is the first time we have held a presentation for the winners of the Oxford Mail OX5 Run, and had so many cups to hand out.

“It has been a great opportunity for us to honour the winners and reward them for their fantastic efforts on what was a very warm morning in April.

“This year we had 1,000 runners sign up – the most we have ever had – which is a fantastic result.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who took part and our friends at the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times and event sponsors for their hard work in helping us achieve this target and supporting the children’s hospital.”

  • Women’s winner: Nicola Gomm Men’s winner: Gary Crone Oxford Mail Challenge Cup and the Community Cup: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service team Allen Associates Business Cup: Unipart Hardly Athletic