MEMBERS of a cycling team are swapping their bikes for training shoes to take part in this year’s OX5 Run.

Team Oxford Bus Company pedalled 21,000 miles between them last year, but has now scaled down its training schedule over the winter and switched to running.

The team will help raise funds for Oxford Children’s Hospital by lining up for the five-mile run at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, on Sunday, March 25.

Father-of-one Dron Kyle, 45, of South Avenue, Kidlington, who started the cycling team in 2010, said: “It feels safer to run at night because you can stay on the pavement and there is street lighting.

“The only downside is that you use completely different muscles.

“It’s your calves and the back of your legs, while with riding, you feel your thighs burning.

“We’ve raised quite a bit of money for various charities over the past couple of years and this time around we want to do our bit for the children’s hospital.”

Other members of the OBC team who have signed up to run include business manager Andrew Morison, 30, of Penlon Place, Abingdon, marketing assistant Jamie Hiscock, 22, of Paulton Place, Blackbird Leys assembly technician Stephen James, 21, of Westbury Crescent, Cowley, mechanic Josh Gonzalez, 19, of Fern Hill Road, Cowley, and bus driver Steve Roberts, of St Leonard’s Lane, Watlington.

The 25-strong team tackle several road races a year, including the 100-mile Hell of the North in the Pennines, the 89-mile Oxford to Cambridge Bike Ride and the 118-mile Tour of the Cotswolds.

Oxford Children’s Hospital spokesman Penny Hambridge said: “It is fantastic to see a group of cyclists getting behind the OX5 Run like this and we’re really grateful to Dron, Mike and the rest of the team.

“The money raised will make a real difference to young patients in the hospital.”

Last year, runners raised £60,000 for the children’s hospital, but it is hoped £100,000 will be raised this time around to mark the run’s 10th anniversary.

For further information and to sign up for the race visit ox5run.co.uk