Brasenose College again had a fantastic turn out for the Oxford Town and Gown 10K charity race, with a team of over 70 students, tutors and staff joining Team Brasenose for the run in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK. In total, 4000 runners participated in this event, held on Sunday 15 May 2016. The picturesque route took runners around the closed streets, parks and rivers of Oxford, and includes a section of the High Street just outside Brasenose. So far the Town and Gown 10K series has raised over £1.7 million.
Thanks to a generous donation from an alumnus, runners were kitted out in fantastic technical running shirts in college colours. Having a kit fostered a real team spirit and Team Brasenose runners found it encouraging to be able to spot fellow team-mates throughout the run.
Although not a competitive event, the organisers issued entrants with an individual ‘running chip’ measuring their exact time around the course. The times achieved were hugely impressive, with many people running the 10 kilometres in under an hour, some under 50 minutes and even a few sub-40 minute times. A special mention must go to 2nd year Chemistry student Tom Spearman, who finished with a time of 36 mins 31 seconds, in 34th place overall. Paul Fradley (second year law student) also put in a fast time, with 38 mins 56 seconds, in 86 place. Professor Owen Lewis (Biology Tutor) led the way for the tutors, clocking a new personal best of 40 mins 30 seconds (21st in the male 40-49 years category).
Team Brasenose was excellently coordinated by Kat Lyness (2nd Year PPE student), who commented “This was the biggest team we’ve ever seen - it was fantastic to see so many people turn out for the event, including runners of all abilities! Well done to our fastest athlete, Tom Spearman, but is was also great to see our current student president, Beth Jenkinson, and former president, Sidd Shrikanth, turning out”
Once the they had caught their breath, the team had brunch together in the Brasenose Dining Hall to re-energise on sausages, hash browns, baked beans and of course tea. Families and friends of the Brasenose team have thus far raised over £1500 for the charity. Our Justgiving page will stay open a while longer, so if you were able, please visit the page to donate.