Thousands of runners recently participated in the Bidwells Oxford 10k to support Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for over 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of more than 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions.
Record Participation
A record-breaking 7,500 people signed up for the event, held on Sunday, May 10, with nearly 6,000 crossing the finish line. This marks the biggest event in its 44-year history, having sold out for a third consecutive year. Runners are on track to collectively raise £350,000 for the charity.
Official Race Starters
The only closed-route race in Oxford was officially started by the Blackmore family from Wantage, Oxford. Leanne Blackmore and her two daughters, Evie, 15, and Martha, 11, all live with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). 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."
Race Results
The first 10k runner across the finish line was Alex Brampton, who ran the course with a chip time of 31:23. The fastest female was Katy Ward with a chip time of 36:23.
Event Manager's Comments
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. 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."
Sponsor's Perspective
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. 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."
History of the Event
The Bidwells Oxford 10k is the oldest run in the Town and Gown series, with the sister event taking place in Cambridge in October. Starting in 1982, the event was inspired by local boy Daniel Cleaver, who had muscular dystrophy. Daniel's father and local runners set up the event as a fun run. To this day, all profits go to supporting Muscular Dystrophy UK, and the events have collectively raised more than £3 million.
Supporters and Future Events
Alongside headline partner Bidwells, the event was supported by Oxford University Parks, Oxford City and County Council, Diligencia, Penningtons Manches Cooper, Actiph, and David Lloyd Clubs, who helped get runners race-ready with a warm-up on the main stage. To sign up for Bidwells Oxford 10k 2027, visit musculardystrophyuk.org/oxford. For more information about Muscular Dystrophy UK, visit musculardystrophyuk.org or call the free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Monday to Friday, from 10am to 5pm).
