Westgate developers join OX5 run (From Oxford Mail)

Westgate developers join OX5 run

6:02pm Friday 16th May 2008 in

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The firm behind the £330m redevelopment of Oxford's Westgate Shopping Centre is building a team to take part in the OX5 Run in aid of the city's children's hospital.

The five-mile run around the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock was due to take place on Sunday, April 6, but heavy snow forced its postponment until Sunday, June 1.

The Westgate Runners will include staff from developers the Westgate Partnership, contractor Sir Robert McAlpine and consultants Capita Symonds, Cyril Sweett and Hoare Lee.

Work is expected to start soon on the revamp of the centre, with the project completed in 2012.

As well as raising funds through sponsorship for the hospital, the partnership is sponsoring the changing rooms at the race.

Marketing manager Simon Ward, who will be running, said: "We will be fielding about 20 runners."

Mr Ward, whose mother has worked at the John Radcliffe Hospital for more than 20 years, added, "I've seen first-hand the enormous impact the hospital has had in its first 18 months."

He said the team was hoping to beat its target of raising more than £2,500 for Chox.

So far, more than £13.8m has been raised towards a community fundraising target of £15m, to pay half the cost of the hospital. Last year's run raised more than £50,000. Runners, who must be aged 16 or over, can pay £10 to register in advance for the race or pay £12.50 on the day.

To register, go to follow the oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/ox5run links