Town & Gown runners urged to dress in orange (From thisisoxfordshire)

Town & Gown runners urged to dress in orange

2:00pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News

THE streets of Oxford could turn orange as part of an annual fun run.

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is asking participants in the Town and Gown 10km run to dress in the charity’s colour during the fundraiser on Sunday, May 12.

And places are filling up fast with more than double the number of runners – 1,400 compared to just 700 this time last year – already signed up to run through the city’s streets.

Toya Champ, challenge events manager at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, who is co-ordinating the race, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the surge in the number of runners signing up for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Town and Gown 10km run this year.

“We are seeing runners travelling from far further afield to join us on the day, despite the fact there will be similar events taking place closer to home.

“Many are doing so through a connection to our charity. Others tell us they are being attracted by the quality of the route.

“We are extremely lucky to have the support of Oxford University and Oxford City Council, which enables us to offer a uniquely beautiful course.

“If you have made the commitment to run a chip-timed 10km, why not do so in an iconic place and in wonderful surroundings?”

She added “This year we are trying to focus on turning Oxford orange and we want runners to dress up in orange.”

The Town and Gown run, supported by the Oxford Mail, is now in its 32nd year.

The route starts and finishes in Parks Road, taking runners through the University Parks and city centre streets, including High Street.

Ms Champ said: “It is a really friendly run. It is great for families and first-time runners.

“We get a lot of those because it is a nice flat route, which also attracts seasoned runners hoping to get a personal best.

“The event itself is a lovely route through the city.”

Runners aged nine to 15 can sign up for a 3km run on the day, which will follow a similar route.

Last year, 3,000 runners took part and raised £100,000 for the charity, which funds research into muscular dystrophy as well as providing advice and support to those affected by the condition.

The condition causes muscles to waste and weaken over time and there are no treatments or cures.

Funds raised this year will also help support the charity, which is funding Oxford University research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The charity has also paid for wheelchairs and aids for people in the city who have MD.

Entry is £20 for unaffiliated runners and £18 for affiliated runners. The junior 3km event is £8.

For more information and to register, visit townandgown10k.com