Over 5,500 people signed up and thousands completed the Bidwells Oxford 10k in glorious sunshine yesterday.
The event - known locally as the Town and Gown - sold out for the first time in its 42-year history.
Participants are on track to collectively raise over £230,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for the 110,000 people in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
The event attracted elite runners competing for a personal best as well groups of friends, corporate teams, people in fancy dress, and those with a personal link to the charity, taking part to raise funds and increase awareness.
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The event, which first started in 1982 inspired by a local boy Daniel Cleaver who had muscular dystrophy, included several schools taking part in the junior 3k race.
Pupils from Summer Fields School in Oxford have taken part for eight years and raised around £30,000 for the charity.
This year, 200 pupils from the school entered the 3k race as well as 65 adults in the 10k.
Ian Barrett, Assistant Head of PE at Summer Fields said: “Taking part in this event is one of the highlights of our school calendar and this year we were thrilled to be able to enter our biggest ever teams in both the 3k and 10k races.
"It is really good to see so many from our school community coming together to do something to help such a worthwhile charity.”
Both the junior 3k and main 10k race were officially started by Ian and Mavis Hale, who are longstanding volunteers for the charity and have been part of the event since its inception.
The first 10k runner across the finish line was Matthew Kunov who ran the course with a chip time of 32:37.
The fastest female was Josephine Auer with a chip time of 35:32.
Tristan Boedts, 27, a Reading University student, lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy and took part to raise awareness of the condition.
He completed the course in 1:14:47, walking and assisted by his wheelchair.
He said: “I like to think I have a pretty positive outlook on life. I know the expectation is that I’ll be in an electric wheelchair by the age of 30 so the clock is ticking.
"I can’t run but currently I can still walk, which is why it’s important for me to get out and do things like this.”
Jessie Keighley, Events Project Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK thanked everyone who took part as well as all those who went along to support.
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She said: “This is a true community event and we’re delighted that it continues to go from strength to strength.
"It’s humbling to see everyone come together to support those living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions, and the money raised will make a huge difference, helping us to continue funding ground-breaking research and supporting those living with muscular dystrophy.”
Alistair Blackmore, head of sustainability at sponsors Bidwells added: “It was an amazing event, made even greater by the glorious weather.
"We got to see the historic sights of Oxford city centre as well as contributing to a charity that we know works hard to make a difference to people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
"We're proud to be part of something that brings people together in this way.
“Congratulations to everyone who took part, and we can’t wait to see you all again in 2025.”
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