A BUMPER crowd is gearing up for this year’s OX5 Run as entries surpass the 1,000 mark.

Runners, joggers and walkers are entering their final stages of training for the Oxford Mail Ox5 Run on Sunday, March 24.

The five-mile fundraiser will see hundreds of people take to the scenic course around Blenheim Palace in support of Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity.

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Now, thanks to a surge in entries and with just three weeks left to sign up, organisers are looking forward to ‘bumper’ event.

Joe Baker, of Oxford Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that so many people have signed up for the run.

Oxford Mail:

“Your support means that we can make a real and lasting difference to our youngest patients and their families whilst in hospital.

“With still three weeks to go, it’s not too late for the people of Oxfordshire and beyond to get involved and get behind this very special cause.

Oxford Mail:

“We don’t mind if you run or walk – this event at beautiful Blenheim really is all about the taking part and raising funds.”

The latest flurry of fundraisers has brought the total number of entries to 1,025 as of yesterday and all money raised will got towards Oxford Children’s Hospital.

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Now in its 17th outing, the event has raised more than £1million over the years for the children’s hospital.

This money has gone towards vital support and monitoring equipment at Oxford Children’s Hospital, Horton General Hospital in Banbury, and the Paediatric Critical Care Unit.

It has also contributed to the build, which started in December, of a 62-bedroom house at the hospital for parents to stay close by to their children during treatment.

Oxford Mail:

It expands the reach of the existing Ronald McDonald House at the John Radcliffe.

Oxford Children’s Hospital play specialist Grace Midwinter said: “It’s amazing that we’ve already hit 1,000 runners, and there are still three weeks to go so hopefully even more people will sign up.

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“This run raises a lot of money every year and we see first-hand what a difference these extra funds for the children’s hospital make – so we are incredibly grateful to everyone taking part.”

Oxford Mail:

The OX5 Run, sponsored by Allen Associates, is still open to entries and the race will start about 10.30am on Sunday, March 24.

People can sign up individually or as a team, and are expected to raise at least £200 towards helping Oxford Children’s Hospital continue its vital works treating the county’s youngest patients.

For more details or to sign up go to ox5run.co.uk