REGISTRATION is now open for the Oxford Half Marathon and Oxford-based charity Helen & Douglas House has been named the event’s charity partner.

Up to 6,000 runners are expected to hit the streets on Sunday, October 14, after the first event last year was hailed a success by organisers. They will race through rural Oxfordshire, the MINI plant in Cowley and across Folly Bridge before crossing the finish line at the Kassam Stadium.

The Oxford Mail is the media partner for the event and MINI Plant Oxford the main sponsor.

Great Britain Olympian Liz Yelling took the ladies’ title in 74 minutes as part of her training for the 2012 London Olympics last year. This year’s runners will be spurred on by live music and bands along the route.

Early-bird places are £26 for affiliated runners or £28 for non-affiliated runners.

Visit www.oxfordhalfmarathon.com for more details and to sign up.