Runners from the Oxford Mail team will partake in this year’s half marathon on Sunday to raise money for a mental health charity.

Digital editors Matt Elofson and Ben Hardy as well as former reporter Ed Halford are undertaking the 13.1-mile course for Oxfordshire Mind.

The run begins at Broad Street and finishes on Parks Road.

READ MORE: Oxford school confirms death of staff member on Port Meadow

Mr Elofson will be wearing an Oxfordshire Mind shirt to show his support for the charity.

Oxford Mail: Matt will be wearing his Oxfordshire Mind t-shirt.Matt will be wearing his Oxfordshire Mind t-shirt. (Image: Matt Elofson)

He added: “I don't really like running, especially longer distances and find it quite challenging.

“But I'm challenging myself to help support Oxfordshire Mind because I know first-hand the importance of good mental health care.

“My eight-year-old daughter developed severe anxiety and panic attacks during the Covid pandemic.

“She regularly woke up at night crying worried and anxious and missed school because of it on multiple occasions.

“We eventually got her treatment through the county schools mental health team.

“Good mental health care is invaluable.”

Mr Hardy said: “The Oxford Mail has decided to support Oxfordshire Mind as mental health is so vital in today's society.

READ MORE: 'It is a sign of a return to normality': runners reflect on the Oxford Half Marathon

“I have never personally run a half marathon before so it will be interesting to see how it goes.

Oxford Mail: The Oxford Half Marathon is set to take place this Sunday.The Oxford Half Marathon is set to take place this Sunday.

“The most I have run before in an official race was a 10k in King's Lynn in Norfolk which was flat as a pancake.”

Efforts to raise money for the Oxfordshire Mind charity come after World Mental Health Day which took place on Tuesday, October 10.

Donations toward the team’s efforts can be made via the Just Giving page online www.justgiving.com/team/OxfordMailrunnersforMind.

A spokeswoman for Oxfordshire Mind said: “We are so very grateful for everyone that takes part in raising funds for Oxfordshire Mind and were over the moon when we heard a team from the Oxford Mail were going to be taking on the challenge.

Oxford Mail: 13,000 people have signed up.13,000 people have signed up.

“We support over 8,000 people every year who are experiencing mental health challenges, providing a huge range of services, support networks, a caring ear or shoulder for people across the County when they most need it.”

The Oxford Half is set to start at 9.30am and Oxford Mail runners are among 13,000 others signed up for the event.

Tickets are now sold out and runners are expected to arrive between 7.30 and 8.45am.

Journalist Mr Halford said: “So much more needs to be done to tackle the rise in poor mental health, particularly among young people.

Oxford Mail: Runners will pass many iconic Oxford landmarks.Runners will pass many iconic Oxford landmarks.
“With the prominence of social media creating new challenges, it’s even more important that we all rise to the challenge of helping those who feel most alone.

“Hopefully the funds we raise for this half marathon will make a real difference and will touch the lives of those most affected.”

On-course entertainment is set to be provided for the event with numerous bands, choirs, DJs, and performers dotted along the route.