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THE OTMOOR CHALLENGE Saturday 7th June 2008 is well established on the runners' calendar as "Otmoor Day" and we welcome runners from a wide area covering the South & Midlands - 300 runners in 2007. The variation of terrain has its own unique appeal and the "challenge" is on. Walkers,
too, enjoy the footpaths and bridle-ways of the area and many
entrants return year after year to take in the views and birdlife,
much improved by the very active presence of the R.S.P.B. The half marathon course takes competitors through the seven villages surrounding Otmoor, an area of outstanding natural beauty, situated just seven miles from the centres of Bicester and Oxford. Whilst the centre is mainly flat, a number of stiles, bridges, ploughed land and footpaths are encountered with one hill which crosses the Roman Road at Beckley. Four main refreshment points are established round the course, each manned by members of the British Red Cross and volunteers. The Challenge half marathon starts and finishes on the Millennium Hall playing field at Horton-cum-Studley. A shorter, 5 mile, course is an alternative option for walkers only. We shall follow our traditional pattern whereby the walkers may start at any time between 9 a.m. and noon, choosing either the 13 mile or the 5 mile route. The Half Marathon Run will mass start at 2 p.m. and the Challenge cups and prizes are awarded to the winners in each category. The first 350 runners home will each receive an Otmoor Challenge mug. Other runners who complete the full course will be awarded a tracksuit badge.
All
walkers who complete the course will be awarded a specially designed
badge symbolising a walk in the green countryside passing the
'Seven Towns of Otmoor' and encircling the chessboard landscape
of Otmoor. Whichever course you choose, on your return there will be our traditional Village Fete to enjoy. The Millennium Hall is available for changing rooms, toilets and showers for runners and walkers and is also a cornerstone of the Fete providing space for stalls and refreshments - and shelter should it be necessary. The money raised benefits not only national charities but also other good causes in our own village and in the surrounding areas. We welcome and encourage the help of all those interested in adding to the success of the day by their support for local causes. Runners and walkers can raise money by sponsorship for their nominated charity if they wish, or pay an entrance fee. The monies raised, after deduction of expenses go to charities and good causes. The
Challenge is Ted Ogden's legacy and is now run by an enlarged
team of organisers from whom further information may be obtained
and entry forms, if you are not able to print them from the link
below. Julie
Ogden (01865 351421) Entry and Sponsorship Forms may be downloaded from the links below and printed as required. Click the link below if you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.
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