City race organisers promise less disruption

Up to 13,000 runners are expected at the Oxford Half Marathon on Sunday

The organisers of a half marathon have said a new route will reduce disruption and traffic congestion.

Up to 13,000 runners and about 20,000 spectators are expected at the Oxford Half Marathon on Sunday.

The start has been moved to Mansfield Road from Broad Street, which will no longer be closed on Saturday.

The course follows a similar route to 2024, with most road closures between 07:30 and 15:00 at the latest on Sunday, according to the event website.

Emily Whitaker from organisers Motiv Sports said the new start location would remove a city centre loop early in the race.

She said: "It improves the runner experience by getting out of the city a bit sooner in the race and on to some of the wider roads.

"Also it just generally will reduce congestion around the city centre, we hope."

The 13.1-mile (21km) course weaves past some of the city's iconic architecture, as well as the River Cherwell and Old Marston village.

The finish line has been moved from Parks Road to Mansfield Road.

Part of Mansfield Road and Savile Road will be shut from 12:00 on Saturday to prepare the start and finish areas.

On Sunday, part of Parks Road, Holywell Street and Jowett Walk will be closed from 05:00.

Runners are urged to arrive at the event village in Oxford University Parks by 08:30, ready for the start at 09:30.

Organisers said park and ride sites would be busy. They have added a new race-specific park and ride facility at Unipart House.

Most roads will be reopened as runners pass, with last finisher expected at 13:45, they added.