STAFF from the Oxford Vaccine Group are up for the cup again this year as they try to hold on to the trophy they won at the 2011 OX5 Run.

Staff from the group – which carries out research into childhood diseases – are preparing for the five-mile Blenheim Palace run on Sunday.

The Churchill Hospital group won the Community Cup last year, a trophy for teams that feature friends and families.

Cathy Owen, PA to group director Prof Andrew Pollard, said: “Last year, I finished in about 50 minutes but I would love to complete the distance in a faster time this year.

“Since I did the OX5 Run last year I have completed quite a few charity runs so I should have improved.

“I would love to get a time of about 45 minutes but I know that the course is quite undulating and some of the hills around the palace grounds can catch you out.”

The Headington resident has also run the city’s Town and Gown and Christmas Santa Run.

Prof Pollard will join more than 15 other staff members for the run.

This is the 10th anniversary of the race, which raises funds for Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Children’s hospital spokesman Sarah Vaccari said: “We are delighted that the Oxford Vaccine Group is entering again this year and I am sure they will be doing their best to hold on to the Community Cup.

“It would be fantastic in this our 10th year of the event to beat all records and have more runners and raise more money than ever.”

Fitness instructor George Martini will host the warm-up for the race, with celebrity chef Raymond Blanc and Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas starting the run.

U’s manager Chris Wilder will head a team of Oxford United fans running the course in their yellow home strips.

The race is organised by the Oxford Mail and sponsored by Oxford-based recruitment firm Allen Associates, radio station Jack FM, and stores at Marriotts Walk shopping centre in Witney.

Visit ox5run.co.uk to take part. Registration closes at midnight on Thursday.