WHAT a difference four days make.

A huge hole which opened up in Old Road, Headington, after a burst water pipe on Sunday was filled in yesterday.

It means the route of the Oxford Half Marathon, set to take place on Sunday, will not need to be changed.

Thames Water patched up the road temporarily ahead of the race, but its workmen will return next week to carry out a permanent repair to the surface.

Residents in Old Road and Quarry Road were woken up at 6.50am on Sunday when the water threatened to flood their homes. With gallons of water gushing down the street, by 1pm a 10ft-wide hole had appeared in Old Road.

Thames Water spokesman Becky Johnson said: “We will return next Tuesday to carry out the permanent repair, which will involve replacing 100 square metres of carriageway, as well as the pavement.

“This will take about four days to complete.

“We are sorry for any disruption this may cause.”

l Leading British athlete Liz Yelling is confirmed as running in the half marathon.

The 36-year-old, who has a half-marathon personal best of 1h 9m 28s, will be among more than 2,000 people who will set off from the Kassam Stadium at 9.30am on Sunday.