Time to dust off your running shoes as the Blenheim 7k, one-mile junior run and four miles on wheels fun run is a month away.
Run, jog or walk for charity or for fun around Blenheim Palace with three events offering a race for all ages and abilities.
The 7k takes a scenic route around the trails and paths of the Palace, including a spectacular lakeside section. The course offers a challenging run for the more experienced, and beautiful surroundings for the beginner or anyone who wants to take a gentle pace.
The four-mile route follows a similar course, missing out the off-road lakeside section to make it suitable for wheelchair users and racers with buggies.
Team Blackwells in 2019
The one-mile race is for under 15s, starting at 10.15 am with the other events starting after it has finished, meaning that parents can watch their children and participate in the 7k run.
There will also be a trophy for the first school team in this event.
In the past the event, which was held virtually last year, has proved perfect for a group or workplace challenge and participants can choose to support a charity if they wish.
This year the event takes place on World Mental Health Day and many will be supporting Oxfordshire’s mental health charities including Oxfordshire Mind and Restore.
Dan Knowles, Oxfordshire Mind CEO, said: “Maintaining fitness on any level enhances our self-esteem, self-worth, and keeps our minds active. So, grab your friends and family and walk, run, skip, or jog for the Blenheim 7k run, and help to support Oxfordshire Mind’s local mental health services!”
To date, runners are also fundraising for charities including SameYou, Oxford Health Charity, Maggies Centre, Crisis, Sobell House and Katharine House Hospices, Helen and Douglas House, Women for Afghan Women and SSNAP – the specialist unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital for sick newborn babies and their parents.
Sarah Foster, Managing Partner at sponsors Freeths Solictors, said: “It’s an absolutely fantastic event, bringing together lots of different runners of different abilities. Please get involved. It’s great to be able to do an actual event after the previous year – so come on let’s get going!”
All three events are chip timed. All finishers receive a medal and there will be trophies for the winners as well as for first team and a schools’ challenge trophy. The 7k team trophy will be presented by the Oxford Business Park who are sponsoring the run for the first time this year.
Jodie McNamara, Community Manager at the Oxford Business Park, said: “Put on your trainers – whether you’re running for a charity, for the company trophy, or even just for fun – come and join us.”
The Rock Choir will be back singing and providing entertainment at the event.
It all takes place on Sunday October 10 from 10.15 am with the under-15s going first.
Entry to the race includes entry to the grounds.
You can spend time after the race enjoying the surroundings, visiting the palace (for an extra fee) maze or adventure playground, picnic or have lunch in the café.
