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Race for Life Oxford 2026
28 June @ 9.30am
About Race for Life Oxford 2026
Life is worth racing for
The Race for Life Oxford 2026 returns on Sunday 28 June, offering both 5k and 10k events for participants aged 16 and over. Children’s entries are welcome, and all participants are encouraged to fundraise for Cancer Research UK, supporting vital life-saving cancer research. Whether you’re walking, jogging, or running, this is your chance to join thousands of others in making a real difference.
Choose your distance
5k race
Ideal for first-timers or those seeking an achievable challenge, the 5k is just over 3 miles. Walk, jog, or run at your own pace and soak up the atmosphere while helping to fund research.
The 10k race will start at 10.30am prompt.
10k race
Perfect for those wanting a longer challenge, the 10k (just over 6 miles) is chip-timed so you can track your personal best while fundraising. Enjoy a supportive, inclusive environment, whether you’re aiming to finish, push yourself, or simply have fun.
The 10k race will start at 9.30am prompt.
Both events start and finish in University Parks, with a scenic, flat course primarily on pathways and closed roads, passing through the historic streets of Oxford. The 10k follows a double-lap route, while the 5k takes participants on a single lap of the park.
Join forces or go solo
Take part individually or as part of a group. Lead a team of family, friends, or colleagues as a Group Leader, or come along solo. Shake off pre-race nerves in the fun warm-up session, then enjoy the camaraderie of thousands of fellow participants. And after crossing the finish line, join friends, family, and fellow participants for a picnic in the park, celebrate achievements, and enjoy the unique sense of community that makes Race for Life Oxford so special.
Supporters and spectators
Suporters and spectators are welcome, with plenty of space to cheer on runners. Facilities include refreshments, toilets, wheelchair accessibility, and dog-friendly areas. Sunflower lanyards and trained Event Managers ensure inclusivity, and the start/finish area is near the cricket pavilion.
Ticketing information
Prices:
5k race
- Children – £11.00
- Aged 16 and over – £15.99
10k race
- Children – £11.00
- Aged 16 and over – £17.49
Travel and logistics
The start and finish area is in University Parks, next to the cricket pavilion. If using what3words, enter ///rocket.maps.lanes in the free app to find the exact starting point.
The event is in the city centre location, and parking in the city centre is limited. There is no parking available at University Parks, except for blue badge holders (access via South Parks Road).
We suggest using the city’s Park & Ride network. There will be additional services to the city centre on the day. The 300 and 500 services pass closest to University Parks, but you can also use the 400 services and walk from the High Street.
Numerous other bus routes service the city centre, and you can find more information (including maps and timetables) on the Oxford Bus website.
Road closures for the event will be in place from 9.00am, so please ensure to leave plenty of time for your journey.
Visit the event website for more information.
Good to know
Please remember to bring your own water bottle already filled. No bottled water will be provided at events. ScottishPower water refill stations will be available to use.
In addition:
- Well-behaved dogs are welcomed but must be kept on a lead at all times.
- The venue is wheelchair accessible.
- The venue is suitable for push chairs.
- There are toilet and baby-changing facilities at the venue.
- Hot and cold refreshments will be available.
- There is no bag drop facility.
- There are no showering facilities.
Accessibility
This event is deemed suitable for wheelchairs with assistance. The course is entirely on paths and closed roads, but the event site is on grass, which can become boggy in poor weather conditions. There is a limited amount of blue badge parking available at University Park’s South Lodge on South Parks Road.
If you require any further information on the accessibility or wish to bring a carer/helper to accompany you, kindly contact the Supporter Hotline on 0300 123 0770 and press 1 when prompted (opening hours are 8.00am to 6.00pm from Monday to Friday) or email raceforlife@cancer.org.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sunday 28 June 2026 at University Parks, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RF. Start/finish is near the cricket pavilion. The 10k starts at 09.30am and the 5k at 10.30am.
Participants aged 16 and over. Children are welcome. Both first-timers and experienced runners can take part. Walk, jog, or run at your own pace.
5k: £15.99, 10k: £17.49, Children: £11. Minimum fundraising: £50. All proceeds support Cancer Research UK.
Bring your race number and back sign (if applicable), safety pins, weather-appropriate clothing, trainers, a filled reusable water bottle, and sun protection.
Arrive early – 60 minutes before the 10k, 30–55 minutes before the 5k. Collect your race number if needed, join the fun warm-up session, and stick around afterwards for a post-race picnic.
Yes. The courses are flat, on internal park paths and closed roads. Event Managers complete risk assessments to ensure accessibility. Sunflower lanyards and ‘I need more help’ badges are available.
Toilets, refreshments, picnic areas, pushchair-friendly routes, and dog-friendly areas. There are no showers or changing facilities, and limited Blue Badge parking is available.
Yes! Bring friends and family to cheer runners on. Popular viewing areas include the finish line; the enquiries tent can advise on course-specific vantage points.
Water refill stations are provided at the finish line for all events. 10k runners also have a halfway refill point. Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle.
Yes, subject to capacity. It’s quickest via smartphone, or at the enquiries tent (card or cash accepted).
British Sign Language interpreters may be available. Disabled toilets, Dementia Friends staff, and other support measures are provided. Staff and volunteers are ready to assist with any special requirements.
Yes, at suitable events. Bring water for your pet and be responsible while on site.
Do not take part if unwell. During the event, seek help immediately from medics if you feel unwell.
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