Otmoor Challenge

OTMOOR CHALLENGE 2012

Please note the following date change for the 2012 Otmoor Challenge.
Instead of being held on the first Saturday of June as usual, the next Otmoor Challenge will take place on:

Saturday 9th June 2012

All other arrangements remain the same as in previous years. Clubs and individual runners will be notified in the usual way.
Please note this change in your club events programme and in your diaries.

FIRST OVERALL

Number 475, Paul Fernandez of Abingdon Amblers,
who also won in 2010, in 1 hour 17 minutes 17 seconds.

The first Saturday in June is well established on the runners' calendar as "Otmoor Day" and we welcome runners from a wide area covering the South and Midlands — over 350 last year. The variation of terrain has its own unique appeal and the 'challenge' is on. Walkers too enjoy the footpaths and bridleways of the area. 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. As usual walkers may start 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 medal. Other runners and walkers who complete the full course will be awarded a tracksuit badge.

The Fete offers entertainment for all the family and needs plenty of helpers and supporters. Any villager prepared to volunteer please contact the organisers. This is our prime opportunity of the year to enjoy working together as a community in a common endeavour. The Millennium Hall provides changing rooms, toilets and showers for runners and walkers. It 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 100th runner home is awarded the obelisk in memory of Ted Ogden who was one of the founders of the event. The Challenge is his legacy and is now run by an enlarged team of organisers from whom further information and entry forms may be obtained:

Basil Lyster (351373)
Andrew Pennington (358800)
Sara Mander (351316) - Fete Organiser
Paul Wilkinson (351618)
Julie Ogden (358993)
John Wright (351526)

Runners should print the Registration Form, complete the information requested, and send it, together with a cheque for the appropriate amount, to Jill Meyjes at the address shown on the form. The Sponsorship Form, for both runners and walkers, should be printed, completed with the sponsors' names and amounts, and brought with you to Registration at the Otmoor Challenge.

Any queries concerning the Otmoor Challenge from runners or walkers should be addressed to Julie Ogden, Home Close, Church Lane, Horton-cum-Studley, Oxford OX33 1AW.