THERE are just four weeks left to sign up for the annual British Heart Foundation (BHF) Blenheim Palace Half Marathon, 10km and family fun run.

More than 2,500 fundraisers have already signed up to take part in the event which is run each year by heart patients, families, friends and colleagues to raise vital cash for the charity.

Past runners have queued up to praise the event ahead of this year’s run on Sunday, October 4.

Headington resident Sam O’Neill who won the 10km run in 35 minutes and 55 seconds last year, said: “It was a great day and the palace grounds were a really fantastic background for the run.

“The course was quite challenging, a bit more hilly than I expected. But there were lots of people out there supporting those of us taking part, which was really helpful.

“Getting to run somewhere like Blenheim was a great experience.”

The 10k and half marathon routes start in front of the palace and wind through the grounds.

The route is primarily flat and on paths so is ideal for runners of all ages and abilities. The event also has a 2km family fun run for all ages to get involved.

Mother-of-two Patricia Banert, 47, from Buckinghamshire, said: “It was great.

“It was a beautiful course and a very worthwhile cause to raise money for. I would encourage people to sign up.”

The BHF hopes to raise £200,000 from the event to help fund heart-related research.

Regional event organiser for the BHF, Hannah Townsend, said: “We’re really looking forward to this year’s event and hope to see thousands of runners taking on the challenge in the gorgeous park in October while raising the vital funds needed to continue our life-saving research.

“Coronary heart disease remains the single biggest killer in the UK. It is responsible for close to one thousand deaths in Oxfordshire alone each year, so we urgently need the people of your lcommunity to support us in our search for the breakthrough.”

There will be marshals, first aiders and support along the routes.

Participants must be at least 17 to take part in the half marathon and 15 years old to take part in the 10km.

Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the event.

People running the half marathon or 10km can join in the family fun run at no extra cost and do not have to register in advance for it.

The entry fee for the races covers the cost of organising the event and sponsorship goes directly towards the charity’s work.

To sign up visit bhf.org.uk