BUSINESSES are being urged to put their best foot forward and sign up for the Oxford Half Marathon.

Organises want to see more companies involved in the second year of the event which last year attracted 2,000 people and raised more than £20,000 for East Oxford hospice and respite care centre Helen & Douglas House .

Now Mark Lygo, Oxford City Council board member for parks and sports is urging firms to spread the word among employees in a bid to make the event on Sunday, October 14, bigger and better than last year.

He said: “I will be running in the Oxford Half Marathon and it is a great event to be involved in.

“It is not only a way to get fit and active but also generates money for good causes such as local charity Helen & Douglas House.”

The run starts at 9.30 am in Grenoble Road near the Kassam Stadium before heading to the Cowley Mini plant and through the city to finish at the Kassam stadium.

The headline sponsor of the event is the Mini plant with other partners include the Oxford Mail, Brooks Sports, Up and Running, Garmin, Highland Spring, Tesco and Visit Oxfordshire.

The event’s official charity is East Oxford’s Helen & Douglas House,which provides respite care for children and young adults.

Meanwhile, organisers are looking for 300 volunteers to help out with the race.

Roles on offer include road marshalls, helping at water stations, bag storage and handing out goodie bags and medals at the finish line.

You can also volunteer as a youth or adult group, club or team. Groups pledging their support so far include Oxford Academy , Oxford Brookes University and the Falcon Rowing and Canoeing Club, based at Donnington Bridge.

All volunteers get a free Oxford Half Marathon T-shirt, breakfast and/or lunch and a goodie bag, along with a full briefing.

  • To take part in the run or to volunteer, see the website oxfordhalfmarathon.com