Oxford city centre will play host to thousands of runners this month as the Race for Life returns on Sunday 29 June 2025 – bringing with it a series of road closures, parking suspensions, and traffic measures to ensure the event runs safely.
Organised by Cancer Research UK, the annual 5K and 10K event is expected to draw over 6,000 participants, along with large numbers of supporters and spectators lining the route.
Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed it is not reasonably practicable to hold the race entirely off-road due to the scale of the event and has authorised temporary traffic changes to accommodate it.
The Council states that road space taken up by runners and onlookers poses a danger to both participants and other road users if unmanaged. As such, road closures and controlled access are essential to ensure public safety throughout the morning.
Event marshals will be stationed along the course to assist with the smooth and safe movement of runners and vehicles.
Key Road Closures and Restrictions
Motorists should expect the following closures and suspensions:
- St Cross Road, South Parks Road, Longwall Street
Closed 9.00am–11.15am
Parking bays on Longwall Street suspended from 12.01am. - High Street (from The Plain to St Aldates)
Closed 9.00am–11.30am
Access will be maintained for buses and taxis only. - Queens Lane, New College Lane, Catte Street
Closed 9.00am–11.30am - Parks Road
No northbound traffic from 9.00am–11.45am
Access only southbound from Banbury Road; 14 parking bays suspended from 12.01am. - Norham Gardens (south of Bradmore Road)
Southbound traffic suspended between 9.00am and 11.45am
Diversion via Bradmore Road; no waiting/parking from 12.01am. - Controlled access will apply to:
- Holywell Street, Jowett Walk, Manor Road, Mansfield Road, and Savile Road.
In addition, a temporary two-way system will operate on Turl Street for vehicles under 7.5 tonnes between 9.00am and 11.45am, and controlled access will be permitted into Keble Road, Blackhall Road and Museum Road from Banbury Road.
Traffic restrictions will be lifted progressively as roads become clear of runners and safe for reopening.
Travel Advice
Motorists are advised to avoid the city centre during the event and instead use the Oxford Ring Road, Marston Ferry Road, or Marston Road as alternative routes. Parking enforcement will be in place and residents living along the route should prepare for local disruption.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
The Race for Life is one of the UK’s best-loved fundraising events, raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. The Oxford leg of the race brings together people of all ages and backgrounds – running, jogging, walking, or cheering from the sidelines – united by a common cause.
It is a flat race that starts at Oxford University Parks and will take runners mainly on pathways or roads through the historic city of Oxford before returning to Oxford University Parks.
