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Thousands complete Bidwells Oxford 10k to raise £230,000

On Sunday 12 May, thousands of people completed our historic Bidwells Oxford 10k raising over £230,000 to support people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions. The event attracted elite runners competing for a personal best as well groups of friends, corporate teams, people in fancy dress, and those with a personal reason for getting involved, taking part to raise funds and increase awareness.
The Oxford 10k, which first started in 1982 inspired by a local boy Daniel Cleaver who had muscular dystrophy, sold out for the first time in its 42-year history with over 5,500 people registered in advance. This included several schools taking part in the junior 3k race. One of these was Summer Fields School in Oxford, whose pupils have taken part for eight years and raised around £30,000 for us. This year, 200 pupils from the school entered the 3k race as well as 65 adults in the 10k.
Ian Barrett, Assistant Head of PE at Summer Fields said: “Taking part in this event is one of the highlights of our school calendar and this year we were thrilled to be able to enter our biggest ever teams in both the 3k and 10k races. It is really good to see so many from our school community coming together to do something to help such a worthwhile charity.”
Both the junior 3k and main 10k race were officially started by Ian and Mavis Hale, who are longstanding volunteers and have been part of the event since its inception.
The first 10k runner across the finish line was Matthew Kunov who ran the course with a chip time of 32:37. The fastest female was Josephine Auer with a chip time of 35:32.
But for some, it wasn’t about getting the fastest time. Tristan Boedts, 27, a Reading University student, lives with limb girdle muscular dystrophy and took part to raise awareness of the condition. He completed the course in 1:14:47, walking and assisted by his wheelchair. “I like to think I have a pretty positive outlook on life,” said Tristan. “I know the expectation is that I’ll be in an electric wheelchair by the age of 30 so the clock is ticking. I can’t run but currently I can still walk, which is why it’s important for me to get out and do things like this.”
Jessie Keighley, Events Project Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in the Bidwells Oxford 10k as well as all those who came along to support. Also, to Ian and Mavis Hale for being our official race starters this year. They have played a key role in the event since it first started and we’re so grateful for their ongoing support.
“This is a true community event and we’re delighted that it continues to go from strength to strength. It’s humbling to see everyone come together to support those living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions, and the money raised will make a huge difference, helping us to continue funding groundbreaking research and supporting those living with muscular dystrophy.
“We’d like to say a special thank you to our event partner, Bidwells, for helping us to make the event a success as well as one that is carbon neutral. Some sponsorship money is still coming in, but the event looks set to raise over £230,000, which is incredible. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!”
Alistair Blackmore, Head of Sustainability at Bidwells said: “It was an amazing event, made even greater by the glorious weather. We got to see the historic sights of Oxford city centre as well as contributing to a charity that we know works hard to make a difference to people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.
“Our partnership with Muscular Dystrophy UK goes beyond a traditional sponsorship; it’s an opportunity for us to actively support the incredible work of the charity and to contribute to a legacy that has a huge impact. These events are not just races; they’re a celebration of resilience and community spirit. We’re proud to be part of something that brings people together in this way.
“Congratulations to everyone who took part, and we can’t wait to see you all again in 2025.”
Register your interest for next year’s Bidwells Oxford 10k here.