Wrapping up warm to run in aid of the elderly (From thisisoxfordshire)

Wrapping up warm to run in aid of the elderly

9:30am Monday 4th March 2013 in News

A CHILLY March morning reminded charity runners how important it is for the elderly to wrap up warm.

More than 400 runners took part in the 10km Wrap Up and Run race at Cutteslowe Park in North Oxford, in aid of Age UK yesterday.

The aim was to raise £12,000 for the cause, and to promote awareness of older people struggling to pay heating costs in winter.

The run was started by city council leader Bob Price, a keen runner, who completed the course in 53 minutes and 10 seconds.

He said: “I think it was a huge success. The number of runners was very impressive and the organisation of the event was impeccable.”

Age UK Oxfordshire chief executive Paul Cann was also put through his paces, posting a time of about 56 minutes.

Mr Cann described the event as “absolutely brilliant”.

He said: “It’s a very good run, a lovely bit of Oxford that’s not as well known as some.

“I think people had a really good time and I’m really glad I did it.

“We had a fantastic time and we are looking forward to next year.”

It is the second year the charity has staged Wrap Up and Run races, but the first in Oxford.

Winning the men’s event with a time of 37 minutes 40 seconds was former Magdalen College School pupil George Ramsay, pictured inset, who is working at the school in his gap year.

Mr Ramsay, 18, from Boars Hill, said: “It was the first race I have ever won, which was nice, and I was a bit surprised when I was coming to the end and I was near the front.

“It was a really nice atmosphere. I liked the fact they had music and got everyone geared up for it in the cold.”

For Tracy Knights, 42, from Bicester, it was her first 10km run.

She said: “I had a really good time and enjoyed myself. It’s nice to be out and about, wearing the T-shirt and seeing people supporting the charity.”