UNIVERSITY challenge normally requires a great deal of brain power but now students are being asked to use their brawn for a new type of challenge.

Organisers of the Vitality Oxford Half Marathon have announced their very own Oxford University Challenge, which will see Oxford University College teams compete for the fastest combined time at the race taking place on Sunday, October 9.

The challenge will see students and staff enter a team to complete the course altogether, with the fastest group winning the University Challenge trophy and a £250 donation for the charity of their choice.

Rosemary Walmsley, organiser of the Worcester College team, said: "My teammates and I are thrilled to be able to compete in the Vitality Oxford Half Marathon University Challenge.

"It’s a great opportunity for us to come together as a college and to encourage the university spirit on race day with our friends cheering us on.

"We’re also hoping to use the event to fundraise for various charities which are close to our hearts."

The University Challenge has already seen teams from Worcester College, St Edmund Hall, Corpus Christi, Lincoln College and Keble College sign up for this year’s event.

Jamie Warren, head of marketing from race organiser, GO2, said: "We are delighted to announce the launch of the Vitality Oxford Half Marathon University Challenge - interest in the challenge has already proved extremely popular.

"I would encourage any runners looking for that extra bit of support and motivation for the event to consider entering a University Challenge team.

"Runners will start and finish in the City Centre, and take in the iconic, historical, and university sites of Oxford supported by thousands of spectators lining the streets to cheering on friends and family.

"It’s also a great opportunity for some healthy competition between rival colleges."

The charity has also announced its appointment of Oxford United Community Trust as its local charity partner.

The charity says it uses the power and influence of sport to support everyone in Oxfordshire to be the best possible version of themselves, by delivering programmes such as football, reading and fitness to under-represented groups in the county.

Director for series charity partner Oxford United Community Trust, Caroline Robbins, said: "Seeing a sea of yellow run through the streets of Oxford will be the most amazing representation of local people helping each other to be the best possible version of themselves.

"All the money raised for the Trust will be spent on your doorstep on supporting the most vulnerable across Oxfordshire, to not only dream, but to achieve."

If you are an Oxford University student who wants to get involved, email: lizzy@escapadepr.com

For information about the race visit: oxfordhalf.co.uk