RUN, it's fun
Runners filled Oxford town centre early Sunday morning to compete in the annual Town and Gown fun run.
Over 2100 runners put themselves forward to run the gruelling 10km race over two laps in order to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy campaign.
The traditional rivalry between town and gown was put aside for the occasion as no distinction was made between those from the University and from the town's permanent population. Indeed all runners were cheered equally enthusiastically by the few shoppers who were in the city centre.
The race started in the University Parks after the R.A.F. Falcons stunned the assembled competitors with a parachute drop. There were also smaller runs around the Parks for younger competitors. The main route wound its way past some of Oxford's prestigious colleges. Somerville, with a group of 29 runners, was one of the many teams who were competing for the Touchwood College Trophy.
The individual winner from the Headington Road Runner club raced home in just over half an hour, proving the quality that was evident in the mixed field. Serious athletes found themselves lapping more humorous entries including a pair of nuns, some gorillas and a group of student jugglers.
All the fun was for a good cause, however, with this year's sponsorship still being collected, it is likely to push the total raised for charity since the race started over £500,000.
22nd May 2003