The OX5 RUN in support of the Oxford Children’s Hospital is back at Blenheim Palace this Sunday.

Over 600 runners will take part - running, walking, and jogging the five-mile route - and raising thousands for charity in the process. 

The event has taken place virtually for the past two years, so organisers at Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity are thrilled that this, the twentieth anniversary of the run, is back in its rightful home. 

Gail Williams from Oxford Hospitals Charity said: 

“We are delighted to be back at Blenheim for what is promising to be a great OX5 RUN. This five-mile fun run raises really important funds which are used across the Children’s Hospital and other children’s areas across our NHS trust to make a real difference to thousands of young patients.”

The event is sponsored by Oxfordshire recruitment agency Allen Associates, who will also be taking part with a team of recruitment consultants from the business.

Kate Allen, Managing Director at Allen Associates said:

“This year’s run feels extra special as this is the first time in years that we’re able to take part in person. Knowing how hard the staff at Oxford Children’s Hospital have worked throughout the pandemic and the personal sacrifices many of them have made for the care and wellbeing of their young patients, has made our sponsorship, and fundraising all the more poignant this time around. 

We are really looking forward to taking part as a team. It’s a great opportunity to get our recruitment consultants, friends, and family together for a fun day out in support of a fantastic local cause.” 

Over the last 20 years the OX5 RUN has raised over £1 million to support young patients and their families and helped fund some incredible projects across our hospitals. From play areas to state-of-the-art monitoring equipment - every penny raised makes a difference to local children hospital.

Phil Rose from Abingdon, Oxfordshire is one of the families who has seen the direct impact of money raised by the run, after his daughter was treated for Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, when she was aged just two years old.

Phil, who is now on his ninth OX5 RUN explains:

“The OX5 RUN is such a special event for me and my family. During our lengthy stays in hospital over the years, we have seen how and where the money has been spent which makes a real difference to not just our time in hospital but other families as well.”

“It’s such a special event, and I urge anyone who has been directly involved with the hospital to get involved and help make a real difference”

There is still time to sign up for the OX5 RUN, by visiting www.hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run or you can register on the day of the event.