Thousands took to the streets of Oxford yesterday morning to race in the Oxford Half Marathon, a 13.1-mile closed-road route that started and finished on Mansfield Road, taking runners past landmarks like the Radcliffe Camera and through Summertown in the process.
Runners had the option to run to raise money for one of the Half Marathon’s charity partners, which includes Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Oxfordshire Mind. Entertainment points along the route blasted music and offered refuelling for runners to break up the monotony of the run.
Kitted out with homemade banners and bright yellow clappers, supporters of all ages lined Banbury Road to cheer on their friends and family. Some memorable signs included “No one likes a quick finisher”, “Why is everyone running?”, and, in true Oxford fashion, “Hurry up so we can hit the pub”.
For as many runners proudly sporting the kits of their local run clubs, there were as many students who looked unprepared but surprisingly enthusiastic. Merton College student Atrijo Bhattacharyya, who proclaimed he’d not trained for the run at all, told Cherwell: “I thought that the half marathon was a really good experience and a great first race for someone getting into long distance running. I think my biggest takeaway from doing the half marathon without training is that one of the most crucial aspects of long distance running is willpower.”
As runners sped past the finish line, marshals shepherded crowds down Parks Road in the direction of the Event Village, nestled in University Parks, where live music and food stalls awaited to furnish runners with electrolytes and energy bars.
All finishers were awarded a medal and a T-shirt. Speaking to Cherwell, a participant said: “I run a lot usually, but I’ve been out with an injury, so this is my first race back for the love of the game. It was a lot of fun.”
“Running is awful”, a participant unwinding with a pint at the King’s Arms told Cherwell after completing the marathon, “but it’s also so good”.
