Fans were starstruck as Jason Donovan opened the OX5 run at Blenheim Palace for the Oxford Children's Hospital.

Four-year-old Mya Harris, who is treated for spina bifida at the new hospital, was hugged by the celebrity superstar before he started the race for 800 runners.

The run was organised for a fifth successful year by the Oxford Mail and our sister paper, the Oxford Times.

Click here to see a full list of runners and their finishing times

Mya's mother, Leah, of Normandy Crescent, Cowley, said: "Mya looked starstruck when she met him.

"It's really nice to see Jason here. Mya has had many operations since she was born.

"It's such a good cause and a brilliant event."

Mya's father, Dale Harris, 25, ran the five-mile course in support of his daughter for the third year in a row.

Mr Donovan spent time having his photo taken with the crowds before starting the race at 10.30am.

For some it meant a real thrill for the weeks of pounding pavements in training.

Runner Wendy Kirby, 35, of Headington, said: "It's amazing. I didn't expect to see Jason so close and have my picture taken with him. I've been training since February - it's been worth it."

The former Neighbours actor chose to support the OX5 run, after giving money raised from ITV's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! to the children's charity.

He said: "I'm here today to support the Oxford Children's Hospital, which benefits 65,000 children.

"I'm a little bit flued up, so I'm not running myself, but it's an honour to start the race.

"I'm living locally with my partner Ange, who is from Oxford, and she has a special association with the children's hospital. It's nice to be able to support a regional charity."

The Oxford Children's Hospital opened in January in Headington. Last year, OX5 runners raised over £50,000 towards the hospital.

Oxford Children's Hospital fundraising manager Janet Sprake said: "We're very pleased with the number of people who entered.

"If we raise anywhere near £50,000, we will be absolutely ecstatic."

This year, the runners were electronically tagged for the first time, so their times could be accurately recorded.

OX5 organiser and Newsquest Oxfordshire publishing manager Tom Mitchell said: "The event just goes from strength to strength.

"What's really good is that we are seeing some familiar faces now, as well as newcomers."

Runners paid £10 to enter, or £12.50 on the day, and were asked to raise £100 in sponsorship.

A team from Oxford Esporta wanted to collect £500 before the race.

Team member Jamie Owens, 29, said: "I've done no training whatsoever, apart from not drinking last night.

"It would be great to run it in under 40 minutes, but we're absolutely not going to win."

Oxford Mail sports reporter Ed Mezzetti, who came fourth overall with a time of 30 minutes and seven seconds, said: "I'm really delighted to have beaten my colleagues.

"I've been training for the London Marathon so it gives me a bit of confidence for that."

The results of the OX5 race will be printed in tomorrow's Oxford Mail and posted on oxfordmail.net.