ONE of the best known faces at the Kassam Stadium will be leading the Oxford United team in Sunday’s OX5Run.

Club mascot Olly the Ox and club staff are taking part in the annual event, which raises money for the Oxford Children’s Hospital and is backed by the Oxford Mail.

Today is the last chance for people to register online – electronic applications will not be accepted after midnight.

This year organisers hope to see 1,000 people on the starting line, with the aim of raising £65,000 to pay for new toys and equipment for the hospital, which treats more than 60,000 young patients every year.

Oxford United’s community manager John Armstrong will be donning the Olly the Ox costume for the five-mile run around the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Woodstock.

He said: “It’s such a great cause to help the Oxford Children’s Hospital and we wanted to do something a little bit different this year, so I volunteered to run as Olly.

“It was only when I did a little bit of a training run the other day that I realised just how hot and confined it really is in the costume.

“Visibility isn’t the best either, but I’ll give it a go and hopefully raise a few smiles, as well as some money along the way.”

Mr Armstrong believes having Olly in the race will give an added incentive to other runners from the club.

He will be joined by club colleagues David Jackson, Ed Duckham, Owen McGovern, Peter Dunnill and Lindsay Davis.

Mr Armstrong said: “Everyone is more than happy to pay the entrance fee and has been collecting sponsors, but I have told them all that anyone who finishes behind me has to pay double.

“That has sparked a little bit of extra training.

“In truth it doesn’t matter how fast you do the course, it’s all about having fun and raising money.”

Last year the OX5 Run raised £57,000.

Hospital spokesman Graham Brogden thanked the football club for entering a team.

He said: “Fundraising really is a team effort and Oxford United know the benefits of working together.

“We’re delighted to have Olly and the team on board supporting us and wish them the best of luck in their promotion hunt.”

Registration on the day closes at 9.30am and costs £12.50. There are about 100 places left. Runners unable to register will still be allowed to run, but unofficially. The race starts at 10.30am.