THE grounds of Blenheim Palace will be rocking to rousing Latin beats again this year as the OX5 Run kicks off with a ‘Zumba’ warm-up.

The Latin-inspired form of dance exercise, which originated in Miami, has proved the ideal warm-up for entrants in the annual charity five-mile OX5 Run, in aid of the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

And leading the dance as always will be ‘Zumba King’ George Martini.

Mr Martini said: “My team and I are getting very excited about this year’s OX5 and, of course, the warm-up. I can promise all those who have already signed up, and those planning to, that we will be making sure they are ready and buzzing.

“Zumba is basically exercise in disguise. A sustained fitness programme built around easy moves and Latin and international beats.

“Anyone with a pulse can do it, of any age and ability, you basically keep moving to the music.

“It is fabulous and its success in Oxford proves that – I started Zumba classes in Oxford four years ago and each week at the Regal Club in Cowley we now have hundreds of people.”

Mr Martini, who lives in Oxford, was approached to do the warm-up for the OX5 three years ago.

He said: “It works great because everyone can do it – even the spectators – and it has really caught on.

“We started three years ago with a 10-minute warm-up, but people didn’t want to stop – so we now do 30 minutes.”

Mr Martini and his fellow dancers have also formed Team Zumba, which will be lining up with the rest of the competitors for the race.

Mr Martini said: “This is my favourite charity event of the year as all of Oxfordshire supports this great cause.”

Sarah Vaccari, spokesman for ORH Charitable Funds, said: “We are delighted that George Martini is bringing his Zumba warm-up to the OX5 again this year.

“The music and moves get everyone smiling and raring to go, and really add to the atmosphere on the day.

“We now have over 200 people signed up for the event but hope everyone will help us spread the word to make the event the most successful yet.”

The ninth OX5 Run takes place at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on Sunday, March 20, and registration is now open. Last April, more than 850 runners raised £57,000 to buy new, often life-saving equipment, for the hospital.

The Oxford Children’s Hospital was built in 2006 at the John Radcliffe Hospital site after fundraisers raised more than £14m.

Children receive treatment for conditions including heart disease, chest problems, cancer and neurological disorders, along with general and specialist surgery.

To get involved click here oxfordmail.co.uk/news/ox5 run or call 01865 743428.

The Oxford Mail would like to hear from anyone taking part in this year’s OX5 Run. Contact Debbie Waite on dwaite@nqo.com or call 07863 328300.

For more information on Zumba go to zumba.com