Champions issue OX5 challenge (From Witney Gazette)

Champions issue OX5 challenge

7:06am Friday 25th January 2008 in Headlines By The Page Turner

NEWSQUEST Oxfordshire staff, the holders of the OX5 Cup, have challenged other firms to capture the trophy in this year's charity run to raise cash for the city's children's hospital.

Last year, Newsquest staff won the trophy, which is awarded to the team with the lowest aggregate time of its top five finishers.

This year's run takes place at Blenheim Palace, in Woodstock, on Sunday, April 6.

Sports writer Ed Mezzetti was the fastest finisher from Newsquest last year, completing the five-mile run in fourth place, with a time of 30 minutes and seven seconds.

The 28-year-old, from Barton, who is also training for this year's London Marathon, said: "It's a really enjoyable run, which is suitable for fun runners and serious runners from clubs as well.

"The more corporate teams that enter, the better, because that boosts the numbers and means more money will be raised for the children's hospital, which is a really good cause.

"We would love to retain the trophy and we wonder if there are any other firms out there who have got what it takes to beat us?"

Graham Brogden, head of community fundraising for Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds, added: "We're delighted that the OX5 Run has become an annual event for the children's hospital and are looking forward to another brilliant event.

"It's always good to see a bit of friendly rivalry and we hope lots of teams will step forward to challenge the Newsquest team this year."

Pop star and actor Jason Donovan is backing the fun run for the second year running and will start the race.

Last year, about 800 people took part in the five-mile run around the palace grounds, raising £50,000 for Chox.

Entry is £10 per person and each runner is then asked to raise £100 in sponsorship money, although the target is not compulsory.

All money raised goes to the children's hospital, which celebrates its first birthday tomorrow. To date, £13.7m has been raised towards a £15m target.

Since opening, the hospital has treated about 65,000 youngsters from the region and the UK.

Those wanting to take part should fill in the coupon, left, visit www.chox.org.uk or call Penny Hambridge on 01865 743445 for a form.