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Sports events

Challenge Events

If you fancy setting yourself a real challenge and at the same time fundraising for UCARE, you can do this through the Do it for Charity web site.

Chose your challenge and let us know and if we are not already registered for that event, we soon can be! We’ve already signed up for the Paris cycle ride through a fundraiser.

You can also create your own on line giving page through DiFC. So, if you want to cycle, trek, walk or run follow this link

The UCARE Triathlon Gym Challenge

  • Swim or row the English Channel = 22 miles
  • Run a marathon = 26 miles
  • Cycle from London to Brighton = 54 miles

This challenge can be completed by gym goers of all levels and abilities. You can complete the challenge individually or in teams and set your own levels and targets of completion and number of visits to the gym.You can complete the challenge in any order, break them into sessions, and take a break when you need to.

As well as raising your fitness levels, you can be raising funds for UCARE. Get your friends and family to sponsor you per mile, or on completion of each part of the challenge. Compete with other individuals in your gym or compete as a team against other teams in other gyms!

Virgin London Marathon

We are often asked if we have charity places for the Virgin London Marathon.

In 1993, the organisers introduced the Golden Bond scheme to enable charities to gain places. Under this scheme, hundreds of charities have bought guaranteed entries, which they then offer to the runners who’ve missed out on a ballot place. Another 550 charities are involved in a Silver Bond scheme which guarantees 1 entry place every five years, and we do have one of these places.

Sadly, due to the number of charities on the waiting list for places, the Virgin organisers have closed the waiting list to the Golden Bond scheme. We are on the waiting list, but we have no charity places to offer runners. There are ways of getting charity packages through sales agents, but these would cost us a lot of money and we would need to put pressure on our fundraisers to raise a huge amount.

So, at present, we suggest if you would like to enter a marathon to raise funds for UCARE [and we hope you do], that you do this through the normal ballot and organise your own sponsorship and fundraising. Thank you.

You need to plan early for the London Marathon ballot - thousands of people signed up for the ballot for 2013 and will now keenly be awaiting the results which come out in early October 2012.

Other events

You might like to consider entering the ballot for the following , but sign up early to the more popular events as they do sell out fast:

Oxford Half Marathon

Why not enter the Oxford Half Marathon on 14th October 2012 and raise funds for UCARE.

Early Bird Entry and Priority Parking closes on 8th April 2012.

After a successful pilot event in 2011 the Oxford Half Marathon is back for 2012, taking place on Sunday 14th October 2012, with a UKA license. Starting and finishing at the Kassam Stadium, a new improved route has been introduced for 2012 which can accommodate up to 6,000 runners.

The runners will set off from the Kassam Stadium as the route goes through the impressive MINI Plant and past the Iffley Road Track, known as the Roger Bannister running track, where Sir Roger Bannister ran a mile in under four minutes for the first time ever on 6th May 1954. Runners will be passing the official blue plaque which records the event on their way towards the city centre, with Oxford’s iconic dreaming spires and world famous University College grounds coming into sight as they enter the fabulous grounds of Christ Church Meadow.

After crossing Folly Bridge the route heads south along the banks of the Thames to finish in the Kassam Stadium, home of Oxford United Football Club. Numerous bands and groups will be positioned along the route to cheer on the runners and to create an inspiring carnival atmosphere. There will be an extensive road closure plan in place with free parking and changing facilities, and a fantastic athletics village.

Registration for the Oxford Half Marathon 2012 is now open, with limited 'early bird' prices available. Race numbers are limited to 6,000 and early bird entry costs £26 for affiliated runners or £28 for non-affiliated runners. Early bird entries close April 8th. All finishers receive a bespoke medal, a goodie bag and a fantastic Brooks technical t-shirt.

The organisers commented:

“We are excited to bring the Oxford Half Marathon back for 2012 and would like to express a big thank you for all the support we have received so far. We look forward to delivering an even bigger and better race in the Olympic year and are delighted that Sir Roger Bannister has offered his support!”

James Bellwood from Crawley AC won the 2011 race in a personal best time of 71 minutes with Great Britain Olympian Liz Yelling taking the ladies’ title in 74 minutes as part of her training for the 2012 London Olympics.

For more information go to the website at www.oxfordhalfmarathon.com

Preparation

As with any sports activity and sporting event, please ensure that you are well prepared and fit. If in doubt, please consult with your doctor to check your fitness to participate.

If you are running marathons or triathlons, then as part of your preparations, you really need to line up a few races beforehand to ensure that a mass participation race doesn’t come as a shock to the system on race day.

Mesh training bibs

Training bibAvailable for purchase ~ yellow breathable mesh training bib with UCARE logo front and back for £10 + postage.

To order email ucare@ucare-oxford.org.uk or phone 01865 767777

Please state: Size Medium/Large - ladies, Size XL - mens

Useful website

If you are planning a run, here is a website which might be of help: http://gb.mapometer.com/en/

Your support will make a difference.