Town and gown fun run

More than 1,600 people from all over the country will be taking part in this year's event on Sunday, which will raise vital money for the fight against the muscle-wasting disease muscular dystrophy.

We have been following the progress of the training of catering manager Phil Munday who will be running in this year's race in a team of around 25 from Oxford University's Somerville College.

The team, which is made up of academics, students, and administration and catering staff, have just trained together for the first time. They met in University Parks for a training session and covered a course of two miles.

Then first-year student Colette Hooper, also a qualified aerobics instructor, took them through a structured stretching programme to make sure they did not do any damage to their muscles.

They will wear bright red tee-shirts on the day, one of Somerville College's colours.

Phil, 36, says he will stop training this Wednesday in a bid to conserve his energy for the big race.

He says: "I think my training has gone really well and feel confident that I should complete the course within a good time.

"Last year I got round in about 45 minutes and I am hoping that my training will pay off and I will either equal or better that this time. "I'm sure there will be a great atmosphere on the day and the crowd will help us get round the course."

The race starts at 10.30am and the route will take runners from the University Parks and around the city centre.

It's still not too late to enter the race. Entry costs 6.50 for adults, 5.50 for members of a running club and 2 for junior entrants. Runners can enter on the day of the race for 10. For entry forms call 01993 881368.