NEARLY 100 people took part in Saturday’s Blackbird Leys Mile, with more than 200 people cheering on the runners in the sunshine.

But it wasn’t all about the mile-long course around the estate. The area’s youngsters took part in the – considerably shorter – under-fives race.

Five-year-old Josh Brackett managed to cross the line first. He said: “I’m happy I won. I practised really hard.”

His mum Kayley Brackett, who helped younger brother Charlie, one, toddle behind, said: “He’s running all the time anyway.”

Josh was upholding family honour, as his dad Jamie, 36, who won last year’s main race, dropped to fourth place.

The Blackbird Leys resident said: “I don’t have the legs for it any more. This year we’ve got better competition.

“I nearly pulled out by the shops - I seriously considered just running to get a pint instead.”

The winner of the adult race was Royal Marine Paul Charlett, from Headington, who came in at 5 minutes, 18 seconds.

Organiser Stuart Craft said: “Everybody enjoyed themselves. We had lots of marshalls helping out as well, which was brilliant.”

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