Blenheim Palace hosts nearly 800 runners for special event

The public descended on the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the birthplace of Winston Churchill, for the 24th version of the OX5 RUN.

The event sees people run, jog and walk five miles across the historic site in aid of Oxford Hospitals Charity, which funds medical equipment, research, training and facilities.

Donations from the organisation have already helped to create Cancer and Heart Centres in the city and the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

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The event began at 10.30am on Sunday, March 22, with runners set off by 13-year-old Eliza Hammond and six-year-old Elliott Williamson, both young patients.

Runners of all ages compete in the OX5RUN at Blenheim Palace for Oxford Hospitals Charity (Image: Oxford Hospitals Charity)

Elliot, from Beckley, whose surname was not disclosed, has just finished leukaemia treatment on Kamran’s Ward, which cares for children with cancer.

His dad, Guy, was part of Team Kamran’s, the top fundraising team this year.

He said: “I ran the OX5 run as a small way to give back to the hospital that has done so much for us since Elliot was diagnosed with Leukaemia eight months ago.

“His resilience, bravery, and good humour in the face of all he is enduring is inspirational.”

At the OX5 RUN teams of families were joined by many hospital staff, including the 60-strong Team Haem, Children’s Radiology, Oxford Vaccine Group, AAU, Emergency Department, Team Microbiology, PICU, and many more.

Claire Hughes, events officer at Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “It was a glorious sunny day, with a wonderful sense of community and shared purpose.

Runners of all ages compete in the OX5RUN at Blenheim Palace for Oxford Hospitals Charity (Image: Oxford Hospitals Charity)

“We are so grateful to all the teams of families, hospital staff and the local business community that came together at this special run.

“There was such a wonderful atmosphere, a real coming together, and we are thrilled at how many people seemed to really enjoy the whole day.”

The event was won by 15-year-old Edward Hare, part of the Beth’s Bees team, in 29 minutes exactly, with Erica Davison, of Team Magnet Technology winning the cup for first female in 30m 58s.

Runners of all ages compete in the OX5RUN at Blenheim Palace for Oxford Hospitals Charity (Image: Oxford Hospitals Charity)

Local businesses taking part included Penny and Sinclair, Oxford Science Park, Magnet Technology and Breckon & Breckon, who also sponsored the medals.

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Ms Hughes added: “Best of all our runners have worked so hard on their fundraising – and we are on track to raise £100,000 or more to make a difference for our young patients.

“Our special thanks to everyone who took part, and also to Breckon & Breckon for their kind sponsorship of the medals, Blenheim Palace for hosting us, and Get Radio for their music and compering on the day.

“Next year marks the 25th anniversary of this truly local event, and we are hoping that people who have taken part throughout the years will join us for a real celebration of all the OX5 RUN has achieved.”