NEARLY 2,000 runners took part in Oxford’s first half marathon today.

The winner was 26-year-old James Bellward, from Crawley, who completed the course, which began and finished at the Kassam Stadium, in 1.11.03.

Olympian Liz Yelling won the women’s race with a time of 1.14.40.

Planning for the first Oxford Half Marathon, which is 13.1 miles long, had been under way for two years.

Despite this the race, which was started by Oxford City Council leader Bob Price, began 15 minutes late due to traffic problems.

The race is expected to make about £10,000 for Helen & Douglas House hospice in East Oxford.