HUNDREDS of people put on their running shoes to take part in the annual Run Jericho yesterday (Sun).

Both young and old runners stampeded through the streets of Jericho to raise money for charity.

About 400 adults and 275 children took part in the race, which brings in cash for St Barnabas’ Primary School in Hart Street, and for a library in Bekoji, a small town in Ethiopia.

Race director Quinn Bailey said: “The whole event is just so magical.

“The atmosphere is great, all the families come out to take part. My favourite is the children’s race.

“We had a little Spider-Man running, which is amazing.

“Your heart just goes out to them.”

The event included a 10km route for adults and a one-mile run for children.

Runners enjoyed a warm-up session with music before the crowd cheered them on as they started the race at the school before making their way round the 10k course.

They then took in the scenic surroundings of Jericho, Worcester College, Port Meadow and the Oxford Canal before crossing the finish line back at St Barnabas.

Oxford Mail:

  • Matthew Hood was running to raise funds for his son Eben's school

Ms Bailey added: “We have had a Minion running this year and the race ranges from people who want to try hard to people who want to try their best but enjoy themselves.

“This year we are raising money so that the children can have iPads in the classroom to help them.

“We also donate some of the money raised to the library in Bekoji in Ethiopia, which we support.”

Prior to the race, children from St Barnabas were joined by an Ethiopian coach from the town to prepare for Run Jericho.

Sentayehu Eshetu, of Bekoji, joined the pupils to give them last-minute training for the annual running event, which has been going for the past five years.

Father-of-one Matthew Hood, 42, ran the race for the second time to raise money for the school his son, Eben (corr) , 10, attends.

He said: “It went really well. I was two minutes quicker than last time.

“It was fantastic, the race went fine.

“I took photos for the event the first three years but last year I wanted to run it and I’ve done it again this year.

“My son was at the end cheering me on and greeted me which was brilliant.

“The atmosphere was brilliant. I’ll definitely be doing it next year.”

Oxford Mail:

  • The early pacesetter

Volunteer marshal Simon Riley, who lives in Jericho, said: “I have done this now for about four or five years.

“It’s a nice event and it has something for everyone.

“My job it just was just to encourage the runners and make sure they were safe and protected from any traffic.”