Entries nearly sold out for Vitality Oxford Half 2014

August 29, 2014 // Rachel Ellis

Over 5,000 runners have already signed up to take in this year’s Vitality Oxford Half Marathon (Vitality OXFORDHALF), which takes place on Sunday 12th October.

There are only 6,000 general public entries available for the 2014 event and entries are currently selling at a rate of 350 to 450 per week, leaving organisers to predict that the race will be full by the middle of September.

Runners from all corners of the UK have signed up for the October race with entrants ranging from first time ‘halfies’ to seasoned elite runners with entrant ages ranging from 17 to 74.

Andrew Taylor, Race Director for the Vitality OXFORDHALF commented: “We are delighted to see that the race is growing in popularity and we have seen a lot of new entries this year alongside the dedicated Vitality OXFORDHALF repeat runners.

“Some of our entrants are using the event as a training run for even bigger challenges including full marathons, iron mans and ultra marathons; as a passionate runner myself it’s great to see so many people using the race as a stepping stone for what can only be described as extreme tests of endurance.

Those hoping to take part in this year’s race are being encouraged to sign up now to avoid disappointment.

Andrew added: “We would like to urge anyone who is planning on signing up to get their entries in fast to avoid disappointment. Once we have sold out we won’t be able to offer any more general entries, and the only way to take part will be through one of our charity places”.

The Vitality Oxford Half Marathon is in its fourth year and is growing to be one of the most popular road running events in the south of England. The fast-flat route offers a unique scenic tour of the beautiful Oxford City and surrounding areas, starting and finishing at the iconic Kassam Stadium, passing through the Cowley Mini Plant, up Iffley Road into the city centre, crossing the locally famous Magdalen Bridge and incorporating a loop through the beautiful Christ Church meadow before returning along the Thames Trail Path.

The race promises to be more than just a road-running event with a large number of runners dedicating their feats to supporting various local charities and good causes including the official local charity, Helen and Douglas House. Once general entries have closed, the only way to enter the Vitality OXFORDHALF will be through dedicated charity entries or by entering a team into the Corporate Challenge if there are any spaces left.

Mel Taylor, Charity Director for the Vitality OXFORDHALF said: “The uptake on charity places has been really positive so far this year. It’s great to see so many runners fired up to raise money for charities that are close to their hearts”.

Entries for the Oxford Half Marathon are still open and are priced at £34 or £32 for UKA affiliated runners.

For more information, running tips and race day guidance, please visit www.oxfordhalf.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

· Oxfam have been confirmed as the official Lead Charity for the 2014 Vitality Oxford Half Marathon, and Helen & Douglas House have also been confirmed as this year’s official Local Charity.

· The Vitality Oxford Half Marathon is part of the Vitality Run Series, a new national series of eight leading UK road races including the Bath Half Marathon.

· The 4th staging of this popular event will be held on Sunday 12th October. Entries for last year’s race were sold out well before race day, and this looks likely to be repeated for this year’s event, on the basis of high demand for early entry sales to date, and an increased allocation of reserved charity places. So organisers are urging entrants to register quickly to secure their place.

· General public race entries open now at www.oxfordhalf.co.uk/entries