FUNDRAISING Oxford United fans face a tough challenge – taking part in this year’s Oxford Town and Gown 10km race and watching their team in the play-off at Wembley.
The run is now in its 29th year, and up to 4,000 runners are expected to pound the city streets in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.
But this year the event coincides with Oxford United’s big day at Wembley.
Staff from consultancy firm Atkins, in Eynsham, will be running one of the water stations for the event, and helping organisers put out cones, road barriers and road closed signs.
And along with providing logistical help on the day, several members of staff will also be running the race.
Company spokesman Phil Bridge said: “We have got a few Oxford United supporters so there are one or two who will be doing the race then going off to the match later in the day – but I think there might be some who won’t make the race which is unfortunate.
“We are going to get as many runners as we can. They will still have the afternoon to make the journey to Wembley.”
He added: “We have had runners in the race for a number of years and have a long-standing relationship with the Town and Gown.
“We wanted to try to maintain that link so we are pleased we can provide the support in terms of runners and helpers on the day.”
Each of the Atkins employees taking part in the run will be collecting sponsorship, which they hope will run into four figures.
Mr Bridge said he would not be running himself, but would be helping out.
He said: “It’s a very good cause and we are pleased to be able to support it.
“We will do our best to make sure it is a good day all round.”
He said some of the runners were facing a difficult choice, as the race, on Sunday, May 16, coincided with the U’splay-off.
One of Atkins’s suppliers, JSP, has also offered to provide some of the barriers needed on the day free of charge.
It is hoped £100,000 overall will be raised, taking the total collected for the cause since the event started to more than £1m. Volunteers are still needed to help out. Anyone who would like to be involved should call Alun Mainwaring on 0207 8034820 or email a.main- waring@muscular-dystrophy.org The deadline for entries is Monday.
To enter, visit muscular-dystrophy.org/oxfordtown andgown
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