This year’s Oxford Half Marathon will see an unprecedented number of charity participants, with 360 individuals set to complete the 13.1-mile route on Sunday, October 11.
The runners will participate under the Team Sobell banner in support of Sobell House Hospice Charity, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024.
The organisation has been designated as the event’s Gold Charity Partner, and the participant total represents the largest team ever assembled for the cause.
Niki Wardell-Yerburgh, senior relationship fundraiser at Sobell House Hospice Charity, expressed pride in the achievement, stating that 360 individuals had chosen to support the hospice during this landmark anniversary year.
She noted that each participant brings their own personal narrative and inspiration, united by a shared dedication to backing local hospice services.
The charity eagerly anticipated cheering on runners alongside mascot Patch and its committed volunteer network.
Additional supporters were welcomed to join the designated cheer stations to contribute to a memorable occasion.
Among the participants are Oxford’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Chewe Munkonge, and wine expert Tom Gilbey, alongside numerous other runners honouring relatives who received hospice care.
One participant, Millie, is running to commemorate her father, who received an oesophageal cancer diagnosis in June 2025, shortly after retirement.
Her objective involves raising £1,200 to contribute towards a morphine driver, as only continuous pain management had provided comfort during his final period.
She expressed a desire to offer similar support to others in future.
Another runner, Lucy, is taking part in memory of her grandfather, referred to as Pappy within the family.
She described the hospice as welcoming and lively, a fitting environment for her family’s final moments together, filled with laughter and shared recollections.
The facility was praised for its exceptional staff, with her family maintaining lasting gratitude for those precious final days.
The Oxford Half Marathon forms part of Sobell House Hospice Charity’s anniversary commemorations, demonstrating the community backing that has sustained the hospice throughout its 50-year history.
Four support stations will be positioned along the course, staffed by volunteers, well-wishers and the charity’s mascot.
From displaying banners to providing vocal encouragement, these volunteers will prove essential in assisting participants to complete the course.
Revenue generated by runners will contribute to maintaining Sobell House’s capacity to deliver specialist palliative and end-of-life services, alongside assistance for families navigating profoundly challenging circumstances.