HUNDREDS of runners have started this year's OX5 charity race at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock in aid of the Oxford Children's Hospital.
Chef Raymond Blanc and international athlete Hannah England started the race a few minutes ago and runners are currently wending their way around the five-mile course in the Palace's beautiful grounds.
More than 1,100 people have registered for the event at Blenheim Palace, in Woodstock, beating last year's total of 1,000.
They are raising money for Oxford Children's Hospital and hopes are high that they will pass last year's total of £60,000.
At 11am, after a half-hour delay caused by the unprecedented turn-out and a few cars getting stuck in the mud, the runners started the five mile course.
Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc officially started the race, which is sponsored by the Oxford Mail and Allen Associates.
Mr Blanc said: "This is a wonderful event and I'm privileged to be able to be involved."
- A picture gallery is now online and will be updated throughout the day
- Tomorrow's Oxford Mail will contain a special souvenir results section
- And, from tomorrow, you will be able to buy souvenir pictures of the runners by clicking here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here