Oxford Half Marathon: everything you will need to know

The race will start at 9.30am on Broad Street with runners encouraged to arrive from 7.30am.

Managing director of organiser LimeLight Sports, James Hogben, commented: “As an event, we want the Oxford Half to provide positive impact to the area - be that in the tourism and economical benefit of hosting the event, to supporting important local causes.”

READ MORE: Oxford city centre 'bounce back' with footfall bucking trend

Here’s what you need to know in preparation for the extravaganza.

The race will begin at 9.30am (Image: Ed Nix)

How to get there

Runners are advised to arrive early to beat queues at transport hubs and runner services in the village.

If you’re travelling by car you should use either the Redbridge or Thornhill park and ride sites due to various road closures in the city centre.

Parking and bus tickets can be purchased in advance up to four days before the date of trial for up to two adults via the RingGo app, providing return travel to central Oxford as well as 12 hours of parking.

No train services operating from London that arrive in Oxford will allow people to make the start line in time.

Runners are advised to arrive early (Image: Ed Nix)

Will there be a bag drop at the event?

There will be space for runners to store their bag during the run and anyone wanting to use the bag drop will just need to visit the bay which corresponds with their runner number.

Backs must be normal backpack size (45cm x 45cm x 25cm) or smaller as larger bags will not be accepted.

Will there be toilets and water stops en route?

Stops are scheduled at various stages throughout the course:

a. Just after mile four

b. Midway between miles six and seven

c. Just before mile eight

d. Shortly before mile 10

e. Just before mile 12.

Can runners wear headphones?

Organisers suggest that participants run without headphones so that they can listen out for instructions from route marshals and ‘not miss out on the amazing atmosphere’.

The Mail's Matt Elofson will be running for mental health charity Oxfordshire Mind. (Image: Ed Nix)

What on-course entertainment will there be?

There will be numerous bands, choirs, DJs and performers dotted along the route.

The nine acts range from jazz performers to DJs to drummers.

Is there a cut-off time?

The cut-off time for the event is three-and-a-half hours.

Runners after that time will not be stopped but will be asked to move to the pavement so streets can reopen.

A medal will still be waiting at the finish line.

Will there be any road closures?

A lot of roads will be shut for the event with the majority closing from 8am on Sunday (though Holywell Street will shut at 6am and some will close from Saturday).

Roads gradually begin reopening from 11am until the final roads (Broad Street, Museum Road, and Parks Road) reopen at 6pm.

What’s the best place for spectators?

There is apparently no bad place to cheer on runners.

There is apparently no bad place to cheer on runners. (Image: Ed Nix)

Missed out on a place?

Entries for the 2024 race will go on sale soon and can be purchased via the Oxford Half website.