More than 2,000 runners complete Town and Gown race in Oxford

The event, which took place yesterday, is one of the charity’s biggest fundraisers for those suffering muscle-wasting conditions.

The winners for the chipped event were Joe Morrow of Milton Keynes Distance Project who completed the run in 32.03 and Abigail Woolaston of Andover Athletics Club who finished with a time of 37.25.

Rain did not dampen the buzz for one of the UK’s first ‘post-Covid’ mass participation running events

In order to improve social distancing, runners set off in waves, starting at 9am.

Krishan Solanki, Head of Events at Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK), was glad to welcome runners back to University Parks, in the centre of Oxford, after a tough year for fundraising.

He said social distancing was maintained with runners arriving at different intervals and starting in small groups to aid before they ran through the city streets.

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He said: “MDUK wanted to thank all the suppliers and volunteers who got the event together- this included Event Staff, HS Sports, Oxford Mail, BBC Radio Oxford , Event Medical and Fire Solutions and the fantastic volunteers have came from the university’s running clubs local community and sports groups.”

People taking part in the Town and Gown Picture: Muscular Dystrophy UK

Sam Keegan is dad to Robyn.

He and Robyn’s mum Rebekah Pawley pushed Robyn round the course in his pushchair to fundraise for Joe Littler, Robyn’s friend who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

He said: “The race looks different this year but it was great to be out doing it and just to be part of a big event.”

Mr Solanki added: “We loved bringing runners the excellent experience they have come to expect from our Oxford Town and Gown 10k. It was great to have the #TeamOrange spirit back.”

Mark Lygo, Lord Mayor of Oxford, said: “It is great to have had one of the first mass-participation events to happen take place in Oxford this weekend.

“As we emerge further from lockdown this is a clear sign that Oxford is opening up for visitors and residents and I want to encourage people to come into the city and participate in the cultural life that is now returning.

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“Fundraising has been difficult for charities since lockdown started, but I’m sure this event will have raised much-needed funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

“My thanks and congratulations go to them for organising this 40th-year event, and of course to all of the thousands of runners who made this year’s Town and Gown such a success.”

MDUK also thanked it sponsors including Buzz Gym Oxford, Newton, North Oxford Garage, and Diligencia.