Staff from a hi-tech firm are hoping to hold on to the OX5 Cup, awarded to the fastest team in the charity race for Oxford’s children’s hospital.

In 2007, the Newsquest team won the trophy from Botley-based finance firm Grant Thornton. But they lost out to Siemens Magnet Technology, in Eynsham, last year after heavy snowfall in April meant the race around Blenheim Palace had to be postponed until July. The Oxford Mail and Oxford Times team said some of their strongest runners, including marathon runner Ed Mezzetti, were not available in July, and gave Siemens the advantage on the day. The trophy is awarded to the team with the lowest aggregate time of its top five finishers. Siemens manufactures the magnets used in magnetic resonancing imaging (MRI) scanners in hospitals around the world. Karen Gaynor, 33, head of human resources for Siemens, said: “We were the overall winners last year and will be putting forward a strong team for this year’s OX5 Run. “I will be running in the race myself and I’m really looking forward to competing for the OX5 Cup again.” This year’s five-mile run around the grounds of the stately home, in Woodstock, takes place on Sunday, April 19. Sports writer Ed Mezzetti, who is hoping to lead a join a team of runners from Newsquest, in Osney Mead, Oxford, said: “I couldn’t run last year when the time of the race was switched to July, so I am hoping to take part in this year’s race. In 2007, I came fourth and recorded a time of about 30 minutes, which helped us to win the trophy.” The Oxford Mail OX5 Run, which this year is being sponsored by Allen Associates and Motorworld, is one of the hospital’s biggest fundraising events, and often raises £50,000. Recruitment firm Allen Associates and Motorworld both have teams training to take part and want as many corporate teams to join them in the race. The children’s hospital on the John Radcliffe site opened in 2007, following a community fundraising campaign which raised £14m towards the cost of the £30m hospital. Graham Brogden, a spokesman for the children’s hospital, said: “We hope as many firms as possible will come forward and take part in the OX5 Run. “In the current economic climate, taking part in a charity event is a good way of team-building and maintaining staff morale, and it also helps to boost the company’s profile.” Entry for the OX5 Run is £10 per person, with each runner asked to try to raise at least £100 in sponsorship. If you would like to enter, fill in and return the registration form printed on this page or call Penny Hambridge on 01865 743445 for details. The form can also be downloaded from our website at oxfordmail.co.uk/ox5run affrench@oxfordmail.co.uk