DALE HARRIS has bagged himself the number 1 race number for next year’s 10th OX5 race after competing in the event every year since it started.

Mr Harris, from Normandy Crescent in Cowley, has been a staunch supporter of the run in aid of Oxford Children’s Hospital, where his nine-year-old daughter Mya receives treatment for her spina bifida.

The dad-of-three is the first to claim a spot on the start line at Blenheim Palace on March 25.

Since the OX5 Run was launched in 2003, it has raised more than £500,000, and paid for equipment and facilities at the hospital above and beyond what the NHS can offer.

Mya — who has had a series of operations at the hospital, including two in the past year to improve her mobility — and her dad let off the starting horn in 2006.

Yesterday Mr Harris, 30, said: “We are often at the children’s hospital with Mya and she could need another operation in the near future.

“I want to do everything I can to support the staff who make kids feel at ease when they come in for surgery and other treatment.

“It’s great to get the number one race card — staff at the hospital have been so supportive over the years and raising funds is the least I can do.

“I want to give something back and the race is a great way of doing it.

“It’s no hardship to run five miles and it’s great to start getting fit for the run before Christmas.”

He estimates he has raised at least £4,000 through the OX5 Run and abseils for the hospital and added: “The OX5 Run is also a good day out for family and friends and Blenheim Palace is such a beautiful location.

“My best time ever is about 39 minutes but I am going to train hard this year to try to break the 40-minute barrier for the second time.”

Mr Harris, who works at Elmer Cotton sports shop in Turl Street, lives with partner Leah Goodson and their other two children Haydon, eight, and Quinn, who was born last month.

Last year, the £60,000 raised was spent on a mobile intensive care unit, and converting a room for teenage patients to relax in.

The year before that, the £58,000 raised was spent on a cooling machine and monitor for babies born with a lack of oxygen to the brain.

Runners for 2012 are being encouraged to to try to raise £100 each to help raise a total of £100,000.

The race, organised by the Oxford Mail, is once again sponsored by recruitment firm Allen Associates, based at Oxford Business Park and run by Kate and Rob Allen.

Oxford Mail promotions manager Jo Coady said: “He has been such a loyal supporter over the years and we really look forward to seeing him on the starting line.”

Oxford Children’s Hospital spokesman Penny Hambridge said: “As a parent whose child uses the children’s hospital Dale knows only too well how important the money is to enhance our facilities.”

To enter the OX5 Run visit ox5run.co.uk or you can use your smartphone to scan this QR code