Hundreds of runners took part in the OX5 RUN in support of the Oxford Children’s Hospital this weekend.

The annual event took place at Blenheim Palace and participants were blessed with a beautiful Spring morning for the fundraiser, which is organised by Oxford Hospitals Charity.

The fun run raises important extras for the Oxford Children’s Hospital and children’s services across Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, such as play areas, sensory equipment to calm and distract young patients, and specialist medical technology for complex surgery.

Runners were set off at the start line by 3-year-old Joey Rees from Oxford, a young patient of the Oxford Children’s Hospital. He was joined by OX5 RUN regular, Eileen Williams, who recently celebrated her 80^th birthday and was the oldest runner on the day.

Families, hospital staff and the local business community all came together at this special run, which hopes to raise up to £100,000. Some ran in memory of children who have passed away.

The winner, for the second year in a row, was 13-year-old Leo Blyton - who crossed the line in an amazing 29 minutes and 10 seconds.

Leo knows all about the Oxford Children’s Hospital because his younger brother, Zac, received treatment for cancer there when he was seven.

Emily Channon was the first woman across the line in a speedy 34 minutes and 54 seconds.

The top fundraisers were Team Charlotte, raising nearly £6,000. This group of friends and family were running to say thank you for the care baby Charlotte is receiving for mitochondrial disease.

Beth Naish, who lives near Witney, explained “My cousin Becca’s beautiful baby daughter, Charlotte, was diagnosed with a Mitochondrial condition just before Christmas.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging time, but we wanted to raise some money to say thank you to the hospital for all the love and support they’ve given us and the amazing care through the months Charlotte has been in and out of hospital. It means so much to be taking part in this event.”

Charlie's Champs were another top fundraising team - raising nearly £4,000. 

Rachel Dennis, Charlie's mum told us: Charlie was born last August with Down Syndrome. He spent four weeks in Intensive Care and since then he has been in and out of hospital receiving absolutely fantastic care. 

"I just wanted to give something back - we're spending a lot of time there and it's nice to be able to say thank you."

 

Team Chloe ran to remember what would have been Chloe Drew's 16th year - the team have been a regular at the event over many years. Team Gethin the Brave also ran to celebrate and remember Gethin Keymer. 

Beth's Bees, Team Hammond, Play2Give, Team Martha and Team Maizie were other regulars who take part year on year.

Local businesses also stepped up, with event medal sponsors, Breckon & Breckon putting in a team of six, Oxford Science Park a team of 12 and Leonardo Hotel a team of eight.

   

Many hospital staff also took part in the event, with teams from the Children’s Hospital and Horton Children’s Ward, as well as teams from Microbiology, Haematology, Adult Assessment Unit and the Oxford Vaccine Group.

Claire Hughes from Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “We were blessed with a perfect morning for running at Blenheim and everyone brought such positivity to this very special event.

“Some of our runners have been taking part since the OX5 RUN began back in 2002 and it’s wonderful to see these old friends and new, coming together to support the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

“We are incredibly grateful to all who took part and also our amazing army of volunteers. Special thanks also to Breckon & Breckon, our medal sponsors, mile marker sponsor, Leaf Living, Get Radio for the music and Bicester Golf and Spa for the fun warm up, Joe Baker for the wonderful photography, Blenheim Palace for their generous hosting of this special event and all our amazing volunteers!”

Congratulations to all who took part! Please do keep working hard on your fundraising and make every mile count!

To see your run time please follow the link below

OX5 RUN 2025 RESULTS

See you again in 2026!