THE countdown to this year’s Town and Gown race has begun in earnest.

With six weeks to go, more than 2,000 runners have already signed up for this year’s Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Oxford Town and Gown 10km – backed by the Oxford Mail – which takes place on Sunday, May 11.

The run has grown substantially over the past three years and the charity’s race organisers say it is drawing in people from outside Oxfordshire.

It is hoped the run will build on record years in 2012 and 2013 to attract 4,000 runners and raise £150,000 for groundbreaking research into genetic muscle-wasting conditions and support for families affected by them.

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign challenge events manager Toya Champ said: “Thanks to fantastic local support, and a growing reputation among runners as a great 10km road race, the Oxford Town and Gown 10km is continuing to go from strength to strength.

“We hope 2014 will be the third year in a row the race breaks its fundraising record.

“Last year our runners raised £140,000 towards research that could transform lives and vital support for families; with such a flying start already this year, we know that we can do even better.

“Whether you run with us because the race is local, because it offers a great route, to get fit or because you want to do something for charity, every single person on the starting line on May 11 will be taking us towards that total.

“There are 600 families living with often devastating muscle-wasting conditions in Oxfordshire alone – please come along, enjoy a fun, active morning in a beautiful location and lend them your support.”

Among those taking part will be 70-year-old muscular dystrophy sufferer Cynthia Hale, who will celebrate her birthday by completing the route in her powered-wheelchair, after being inspired by friends John Dickson, nine, and Chris Christou, 45, who took on the junior 3km and 10km courses last year.

Mrs Hale said: “I actually belong to one of the largest family groups in the country affected by the condition – my two sons and daughter, my grandson, five of my cousins and several aunts have it.

“Over the years I have witnessed events like the London Marathon and the Birmingham Marathon, which seem such a wonderful thing to be part of.

“I had always just assumed they would be closed to me, but then a few weeks ago I read about the people who had taken part in the Town and Gown race in wheelchairs.

“I am now all signed up and really looking forward to it. It’s something I am doing for me, and I can’t wait.”

Oxford City Judo Club will be swapping the dojo for the city streets to improve their fitness, with a team of 11 signed up for the event, while 40 runners from Oxford University’s Brasenose College, last year’s highest-fundraising student team, are also on board.THE countdown to this year’s Town and Gown race has begun in earnest.

With six weeks to go, more than 2,000 runners have already signed up for this year’s Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Oxford Town and Gown 10km – backed by the Oxford Mail – which takes place on Sunday, May 11.

The run has grown substantially over the past three years and the charity’s race organisers say it is drawing in people from outside Oxfordshire.

It is hoped the run will build on record years in 2012 and 2013 to attract 4,000 runners and raise £150,000 for groundbreaking research into genetic muscle-wasting conditions and support for families affected by them.

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign challenge events manager Toya Champ said: “Thanks to fantastic local support, and a growing reputation among runners as a great 10km road race, the Oxford Town and Gown 10km is continuing to go from strength to strength.

“We hope 2014 will be the third year in a row the race breaks its fundraising record.

“Last year our runners raised £140,000 towards research that could transform lives and vital support for families; with such a flying start already this year, we know that we can do even better.

“Whether you run with us because the race is local, because it offers a great route, to get fit or because you want to do something for charity, every single person on the starting line on May 11 will be taking us towards that total.

“There are 600 families living with often devastating muscle-wasting conditions in Oxfordshire alone – please come along, enjoy a fun, active morning in a beautiful location and lend them your support.”

Among those taking part will be 70-year-old muscular dystrophy sufferer Cynthia Hale, who will celebrate her birthday by completing the route in her powered-wheelchair, after being inspired by friends John Dickson, nine, and Chris Christou, 45, who took on the junior 3km and 10km courses last year.

Mrs Hale said: “I actually belong to one of the largest family groups in the country affected by the condition – my two sons and daughter, my grandson, five of my cousins and several aunts have it.

“Over the years I have witnessed events like the London Marathon and the Birmingham Marathon, which seem such a wonderful thing to be part of.

“I had always just assumed they would be closed to me, but then a few weeks ago I read about the people who had taken part in the Town and Gown race in wheelchairs.

“I am now all signed up and really looking forward to it. It’s something I am doing for me, and I can’t wait.”

Oxford City Judo Club will be swapping the dojo for the city streets to improve their fitness, with a team of 11 signed up for the event, while 40 runners from Oxford University’s Brasenose College, last year’s highest-fundraising student team, are also on board.