Town and Gown 10k runners are ready to hit the streets of Oxford

The 10k race will take place on Sunday, June 27, with event safety specialists planning a Covid-secure event in line with the Government’s easing of lockdown.

This is the 39th year of the race, which raises funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

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Krishan Solanki, head of events at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “The event was launched in 1982 and we’re looking forward to bringing runners the excellent experience they have come to expect from our Oxford Town and Gown 10k run over the years.

The Town and Gown 10k in 2019 Picture: Muscular Dystrophy UK

"The race will look a little different this year but will have no less of MDUK’s @TeamOrange spirit.”

This year, entries will be limited to 4,000 and registrations will close when this number is reached or three weeks before June 27, whichever comes first.

The Town and Gown in 2019 Picture: Muscular Dystrophy UK

Mr Solanki added: “The support of local people of the ‘Town’ and local schools, and colleges from the ‘Gown’ is always tremendous.

“We’ve already seen great take-up from everyone and we look forward to seeing them all in a sell-out event to help us raise vital funds for MDUK after a tough year for fundraising.”

The exact route of the 10k run has not yet been confirmed.

The junior 3k race, which usually takes place the same day as the 10k run, has been postponed for Covid-safety reasons.

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The MDUK events team is working hard to secure an alternative date and venue for this popular part of the Oxford Town and Gown. It hopes to share details with its registered junior runners by the end of March.

Mike Cleaver, who founded the race in 1982, is delighted the 39th Oxford Town and Gown will go ahead this year. He said overcoming obstacles had always been part of this race’s history.

He added: “I launched an eight-mile Fun Run in 1982, out of admiration for my son Daniel, who showed such determination in living with congenital muscular dystrophy.

Town and Gown runners in the city centre in 2019 Picture: Muscular Dystrophy UK

"He was diagnosed at just a few months old and was three when the first event took place.

“It was his amazing courage that inspired people around him, not least his mum, Antonia, me, and his sister Jennifer.

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"That motivated me to raise money for research into muscle-wasting conditions. While I had no idea how huge the race would become, I was absolutely determined to do something big for him.”

After starting out at Blenheim Palace, by 1985 the event had become a regular feature in the centre of Oxford.

For more information and to sign up visit townandgown10k.com/oxford.

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