Jason Donovan is looking forward to starting Sunday's OX5 Run and said everyone taking part should be incredibly proud of themselves.

The Aussie actor and singer has giving his support to the hundreds of runners who will be lining up for the five-mile run at Blenheim Palace, in Woodstock.

He said: "It is all about raising money for charity and having a great day out.

"Hopefully the sun will be shining and that will make it a great experience for everyone.

"Everybody taking part can give themselves a big pat on the back. It is for the Oxford Children's Hospital which is a great cause and those who are getting out there to take part should be very proud.

"Get those training shoes on and get ready to run!"

The former Neighbours hearthrob, who lives in Oxfordshire, was hoping to take part in the picturesque run himself - but his participation is now touch and go after he developed a throat infection.

He added: "If I was fit and healthy I'd definitely be running but, at the moment, because of this throat infection, it's 50/50."

More than 1,000 people will be taking part, and spectators will be entitled to enter the palace grounds on the day for free.

Before the race, Louise Benoist, from Oxford's Esporta Fitness Centre, will be getting runners stretched and loosened up and massage therapists Chris Chesterman, Lisa Parke and Claire Smith will also be on hand to warm up any particularly tight areas and ease the post-race tiredness.

After Jason Donovan has fired the starting pistol, two new Volvo C30s from Motorworld in Botley will lead the front-runners round the course.

Oxford Mail editor Simon O'Neill said: "This is a landmark event in Oxford's calendar and it is a fantastic day out for everybody - spectators and participants.

"It also raises thousands of pounds for a very good cause. I think this year's could be the biggest race yet and we are all looking forward to it immensely."

Those thoughts were echoed by Oxford Children's Hospital head of community fundraising Graham Brogden. He said: "We are thrilled so many people have signed up to take part in the OX5 Run 2007.

"I want to thank them for their determination to complete the run and all our friends at the Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times for organising the run once again.

"The weather forecast looks promising for Sunday and, after the cold snap, I am sure it will feel almost tropical! I wish everyone well for the run and look forward to seeing a big turnout."

The Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times's combined team - The Hacks - is hoping to lift the OX5 team trophy this year.

Team captain Dickie Langton said: "This year we've got a good chance of winning the trophy as my boys and girls have been putting in lots of training - although, being journalists, I'm slightly concerned that they might enjoy an after-work drink too often!"

9:39am Friday 23rd March 2007