Marc West puts his best foot forward to join an Oxfordshire Good Friday tradition

Like all great ideas it started in the pub...with a casual bet for a sixpenny pint of beer between two regulars at the Bowyer Arms. In 1962, Jack Parsons challenged George Steptoe that he could “stroll” the twelve miles (in his Beatle boots) from Radley to Oxford and back the quickest – and inadvertently the drinking partners started a Good Friday tradition that’s still going strong today.

Their unbelievable (joint) time of just shy of two hours became a magic mark, setting the standard for years to come.

Like their forbears, Radlians take this annual challenge very seriously. Rightly so, as it's no mean feat – approaching the half marathon point and attracting a competitive field of distance runners, military personnel and former postmen aged eight to 80 and hailing from far and wide.

Lining up on the start line for the 53rd time, this fresh spring morning marks the beginning of the Easter weekend – a break many will need just to recover. Every undulation under foot becomes a minor mountain for the legs and leaves the shins burning. It’d be easier to break into a run, but you must keep one foot on the ground at all times, as per the rules strictly set out by secret invigilators en route via Kennington, Redbridge and Iffley Road.

Passing the iconic running track, the leading pack summon the determination of Sir Roger to continue passing the miles, lamp post after lamp post.

Even at this (literally) blistering pace, it’s amazing how much more of nature you notice around you – the birds flying in the blue sky overhead and the colourful flowers blooming at your feet. Plus, more than a few funny looks as you swiftly wiggle through the Bank Holiday tourists up The High to the halfway point at Carfax Tower then left “down hill” on St Aldates for the homeward leg.

Back at the Bowyers, there’s a warm welcome, free pint and some hefty silverware waiting for the first few back – and a well-earned opportunity for all to soak up the admiration of their fellow villagers who've gathered in their hundreds to support the community.

As with any charity event, it’s not all about the winning, but the taking part. And, with the families of the original competitors having taken the reigns it'll no doubt be a staple part of Oxfordshire life for another half century or more to come.

* Set in the beautiful grounds of Radley College, the village also hosts another annual challenge. The Try Triathlon is a family event for novices braving their first swim/bike/run or more experienced athletes blowing away the cobwebs following a long winter’s training. For all details visit trytri.co.uk