AROUND 3,000 runners braved torrential rain in the Town and Gown fun run in Oxford, on Sunday, to raise £75,000 for muscular dystrophy sufferers.

The 10k race, which started in the University Parks and followed a course through the city centre, was held in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

The event, sponsored by our sister paper, the Oxford Mail, is in its 25th year.

Runners in the event faced the worst weather conditions for years, but competitors, including a number of wheelchair-users, braved the downpour.

BBC sports presenter Sue Barker, who is president of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, started the race, along with the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Jim Campbell.

She said: "The Town and Gown is one of our biggest fundraising events in the country, and it is terrific that so many people have turned up to run for such a good cause.

"10k is not such an exhausting distance as a half-marathon, and the rain has probably helped to cool down the runners."

Rupa Day-Amin, one of the event organisers for the charity, said: "About 4,000 people have turned up, so no one has been put off by the rain, and we are hoping to raise £75,000."

Mr Campbell said: "I think people are very brave running in this weather.

"It's inspiring to see the runners giving up their free time early on a Sunday morning to raise money for such a good cause.

"It's the event's 25th year, and I believe it is the first time that it has rained."

Personal trainer Barry Grinham brought a team of 70 runners, which included celebrities such as former National Hunt jockey Richard Dunwoody and TV sports presenters Steve Ryder and Louise Goodman.

James Lewis, 18, of Cumnor Road, Farmoor, completed the run his eighth in memory of a friend who died of muscular dystrophy.

James, who has been a wheelchair user since he was 15, took part in memory of friend Adam Jay, who lost his battle against the muscle-weakening disease last month, at 17. James has the same condition, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, from which Adam suffered.

He was joined by friend James Gardner, 13, from Portsmouth, who also completed the course in his wheelchair. Jonathan Blackledge, a student at St Catherine's College, Oxford, who runs for Belgrave Harriers, won the race in 31 minutes and 41 seconds.

He said: "It's the first time I have entered the race, and I am very pleased to have won it."

Orlando Edwards, running with the Press Ganged team, was second, completing the race in 32 minutes and 12 seconds, while Brian Baillie, also of Press Ganged, was third.

Last year's winner, Kevin Murphy, of Woodford Green, was fourth, with a time of 32 minutes and 25 seconds. Wendy Jones, 36, of Cirencester Athletics Club, came ninth, and was the first woman to complete the race.

Since its launch in 1981, the run has raised more than £600,000 for the charity.