A record-breaking number of people in their thousands ran the Oxford 10k over this weekend, raising £350,000 for charity.
On Sunday (May 10), thousands of runners took part in the Bidwells Oxford 10k to support Muscular Dystrophy UK.
This is the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions.
A record-breaking 7,500 people signed up to the event, with nearly 6,000 crossing the finish line on the day.
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Thousands ran in 2026’s Bidwells Oxford 10k. (Image: Muscular Dystrophy UK / Chris O’Donovan)
It’s the biggest event to date in its 44-year history, having sold out for a third consecutive year.
As of Sunday afternoon, the runners are on track to collectively raise £350k for the charity.
The only closed-route race in Oxford was officially started by the Blackmore family from Wantage.
Leanne Blackmore and her two daughters, Evie, 15, and Martha, 11, all live with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD).
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Thousands ran in 2026’s Bidwells Oxford 10k. (Image: Muscular Dystrophy UK / Chris O’Donovan)
After Evie completed the 3k race in 2025, the family were delighted to be back as official race starters.
Leanne said: “To open this year’s race was a true honour and to do so with the girls was an incredible moment.
“It’s such a worthy cause, and to see people in Oxford all coming together to support it was just magical.”
The first 10k runner across the finish line was Alex Brampton, who ran the course with a chip time of 31:23, while the fastest female was Katy Ward with a chip time of 36:23.
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Thousands ran in 2026’s Bidwells Oxford 10k. (Image: Muscular Dystrophy UK / James Busby)
Jessie Keighley, events manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “Congratulations to everyone who completed the 2026 Bidwells Oxford 10k and junior 3k.
“We’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who took part, as well as supporters and all our volunteers that help make this event a true success.
“Each year, this community event continues to grow and has sold out for the last three years. It brings people from Oxfordshire together to support Muscular Dystrophy UK.
“The funds raised will help us to continue funding groundbreaking research and support those living with a muscle-wasting and weakening condition, including our official race starters Leanne and her two daughters, Evie and Martha.
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Thousands ran in 2026’s Bidwells Oxford 10k. (Image: Muscular Dystrophy UK / James Busby)
“A special thanks to our title sponsor, Bidwells, for their continued support.
“We’re looking forward to our sister event in Cambridge in October, and our 2027 Bidwells Oxford 10k.”
Nick Pettit, senior partner at Bidwells, said: “We were proud to be part of this incredible event once again and to support the vital work of Muscular Dystrophy UK.
“This partnership goes beyond traditional sponsorship.
“Our decision to forge a long-term alliance with Muscular Dystrophy UK stems from our deep admiration for the remarkable work this charity undertakes.
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Thousands ran in 2026’s Bidwells Oxford 10k. (Image: Muscular Dystrophy UK / Chris O’Donovan)
“We are investing our time, energy, and resources into this partnership, with the goal of making a tangible difference in the vital work they carry out.
“With a rich history in land and property spanning over 185 years, Bidwells has a strong presence in both Oxford and Cambridge.
“Supporting Muscular Dystrophy UK’s well-established ‘Town and Gown’ 10k runs in these cities allows us to champion the charity and its cause, while also giving back to the local communities that are central to our work.
“Congratulations to everyone who took part on Sunday, and we can’t wait to see you all again in October at the Cambridge 10k.”
