Organisers of this year’s Oxford Half Marathon say they have been overwhel-med by volunteer support.

They already have 180 marshals for the October 14 race, but still need another 50 to make the event a success.

The half marathon, supported by the Oxford Mail, raises money for Helen and Douglas House hospice in East Oxford.

The hospice has rounded up 40 volunteers to help out on the day.

Helen Cordiner, fundraising support officer for Helen and Douglas House, helped last year and had so much fun she is volunteering again.

She said: “Last year there was a great atmosphere. This time I will be marshalling the route and anything else that needs doing.

“It is good if you haven’t got a lot of time to give, it’s nice to be able to do something as a one-off. You get to meet a lot of people and many of them are running for their own personal reasons and raising well-needed money.”

In fact, every one of this year’s team from Helen and Douglas House took part last year. They will be stationed in Iffley Road, exactly halfway along the route.

Poppy Hanbury, senior community events fundraiser, said: “The area that we marshal will be pretty loud as we will be cheering all the runners along.

“We would love to see more people signing up to take part.”

Last year runners raised over £25,000 through sponsorship and this year organisers hope to beat that target.

Race director Andy Heyes said: “We are extremely grateful to all the volunteers who have signed up so far to support the Oxford Half Marathon.

“Volunteers make all the difference to a race in a variety of roles and we are very much looking forward to all working together on race day to make this the best Oxford Half Marathon yet.”

Helen and Douglas House in Magdalen Road is a hospice for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions.

  • To volunteer see the race website or email info@ oxfordhalfmarathon.co.uk All volunteers will receive an Oxford Half Marathon T-shirt, refreshments and goody bag. There are still places available to run. Visit oxfordhalfmarathon.com to register
  • This year’s event on Sunday, October 14, will take a new improved route starting at the Kassam Stadium. The Oxford Mail will be producing a limited edition full-colour supplement of this year’s half marathon on Tuesday, October 16. If you sign up to run you can opt to have this delivered to you directly.