Hundreds of runners came together this weekend for the OX5 RUN in support of the Oxford Children’s Hospital and children’s services across Oxford University Hospitals.

The five mile run was back at a sunny Blenheim Palace, after two years of virtual events.

Many hospital staff took part, including large teams from Microbiology, the Oxford Vaccine Group, Neurosurgery, Bellhouse Drayson Ward and Haematology.

There were also hundreds of runners and walkers grateful for the care their children receive, with local businesses and schools showing their support too. Many ran in fancy dress, with costumes including an inflatable panda, a hot dog (complete with real sausage dog) and a giant Minion, who got a huge cheer when crossing the finish line.

This year’s run was won by 16-year-old Henry Channon in 28m 23s, with his sister, 13-year-old Emily crossing the line as the first woman in 34m 23s. Dad, Professor Keith Channon, was also in the fastest twenty finishers.

The overall Challenge Cup was won by Woodstock CEO Primary School who entered a team of 53 runners and raised well over £3,000.  Ridge and Partners took the Corporate Cup and Team Microbiology won the Community Cup.

The event’s top fundraisers were Team Eliza and Charlie, raising an incredible £6,000. The children, who helped to set the runners off at the start line, are regular patients at the John Radcliffe.

Their mum, Lynne Hammond, explained: “This is our sixth time taking part in the OX5 RUN and we are thrilled to have the chance to give something back again. We are at the hospital every few weeks so this event really means a lot to us.”

Event Manager, Gail Williams said: “After all the hard work and planning it was wonderful to see everything come together on Sunday – and the sunshine was a real bonus!

“This event has been in the hearts and minds of patients, staff and supporters of the children's hospital for twenty years now – and being back at Blenheim meant so much.

“This is a true community event with runners of all ages, backgrounds, shapes and sizes, united in their affection for our amazing children’s hospital and children’s services across our NHS Trust.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, and of course to Oxfordshire Recruitment Agency, Allen Associates, for their ongoing support of the event. A special thank you too to the amazing George Martini for getting everyone warmed up, Jack Fm for keeping the tunes pumping and Blenheim Palace for welcoming us back to their beautiful grounds.”

Managing director of event sponsors, Allen Associates, Kate Allen said: “This year’s run feels extra special as this is the first time in two 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.”

Now in its twentieth year, the event raises extra funds to make a difference to children looked after by the Oxford Children’s Hospital, Horton Children’s Ward, Children’s Critical Care and all areas in our local hospitals where children receive treatment.

Photos from the day can be found on the Oxford Hospitals Charity Facebook page and run times are on the charity website at www.hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run

There is still time to donate to the hospital on behalf of any of the runners of teams today at by visiting www.justgiving.com/campaign/ox5run2022