YOU’LL have to hurry to enter the Oxford Half Marathon – with just one day left to register.

The big race has already attracted 4,050 runners, and organisers hope to reach the 4,500 capacity by the close of registration at 9am tomorrow. The spirit of the race, which is supported by the Oxford Mail, is exemplified by four men who are running in the memory of a beloved friend who passed away.

James Maskell, Jason Robb, Ali McKnight and John Boal will run the 13 miles in memory of Mark Williams, affectionately known as Willy, a roofer from Nuneham Courtenay who died in July last year in a forklift truck accident at work.

Mr Williams, who was 41 at the time of the accident, left his partner Sam and daughters Ellie, 11, and Tilly, five.

To honour Mr Williams’ passionate support of the British military, the Willy Racers will be raising money for Help for Heroes.

Mr Maskell, 41, from Toot Baldon, said: “Mark was a real supporter of Help for Heroes and we want to do as much as possible in his memory.

“He was a very patriotic guy. We used to go to watch England football matches together and he was very into his military.

“He was 100 per cent in favour of our soldiers and what they do.”

The four Oxfordshire men will be joined by another close friend of Mr Williams, Tony Barson, from London.

When Mr Williams died his parents paid tribute to “the best son ever”, and his partner, Sam Collins, described him as “her rock”.

Ms Collins said of the Willy Racers: “I think it is wonderful what these guys are doing.”

All five friends will be wearing football shirts emblazoned with Mr Williams’ name and his Baldon Football Club shirt number where he was team captain.

All the money raised from entry fees is donated to Helen and Douglas House children’s hospice, although many runners are raising additional money through sponsorship for a personal cause.

To sponsor the Mark Williams team visit justgiving.com/teams/markwilliams Oxford Half Marathon is on Sunday, October 14. Registration costs £33 for non UKA affiliated runner and £31 for affiliated runners. Sign up at oxfordmail.co.uk/news/ oxford_half_marathon