OX5 RUN: 'Most successful ever' (From thisisoxfordshire)

OX5 RUN: 'Most successful ever'

5:36pm Monday 20th April 2009 in Search

THIS year’s OX5 Run has been hailed as the most successful yet.

The seventh annual five-mile race in aid of the Oxford Children’s Hospital around Blenheim Palace, in Woodstock, took place yesterday.

Participants are still collecting sponsorship money, but spokesman Sarah Vaccari said £50,000 could come in. She said: “We think this has been the most successful year. Certainly in terms of the number of runners, more than 750 actually took part and 850 registered.”

Last year’s event raised £35,000.

The race winner was Kidlington fireman Gary Crone, 38, who finished in 28 minutes 28 seconds. He was part of the joint Fire and Rescue/Team Chloe group, which won the team event. The 25-strong team ran in memory of Chloe Drew, who was born at the Children’s Hospital on February 15, but died two days later.

Graham Brogden, head of community fundraising at Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “It is incredibly heartening to see people come together in such a positive way after their sad loss.”

The Oxford Mail came second and Siemens Magnet Technology was third.