The Oxford Half Marathon returns on Sunday 12 October 2025, bringing thousands of runners and spectators back to the city for one of Oxford’s most popular sporting events.
This year’s edition introduces a brand-new route, marking the first significant change in recent years. The event’s popularity continues to surge, with the 2025 race selling out in record time for the third consecutive year, attracting 13,000 runners to the start line.
The most notable change comes at the start line, now located on Mansfield Road, which will also serve as the finish line. This update is designed to make it easier for spectators to move around and to create more space for runners to celebrate and recover at the finish.
Runners will follow a scenic route past Oxford’s most iconic landmarks, including the Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, and Bodleian Library. Beyond the city centre, the course continues through Summertown, Cutteslowe, and Old Marston, before returning via University Parks to the finish line on Mansfield Road.
Most city centre parking will be suspended, and multiple roads will be closed on race day, so driving is not advised. Park & Ride services will operate from Pear Tree, Redbridge, and Thornhill car parks.
Regular bus services will run with diversions in place, and a train shuttle from Didcot Parkway will operate with four departure times to bring runners to the Event Village on time.
The race starts at 9.30am, with runners allocated wave start times to manage flow. The Event Village opens at 7.30am, offering bag drop facilities.
Anyone who has not received their race pack by post must collect their bib number on Saturday 11 October, when the helpdesk will be open from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Runners are reminded to bring their bibs, attach safety pins, complete emergency details, and check weather forecasts ahead of time.
Hydration stations along the route will provide Powerade and water in recyclable cups. The cut-off time is 1.45pm, when roads begin to reopen. Late finishers will still be supported but asked to move onto the pavement.
Spectators can cheer runners at key city centre points or along the route in Marston and Summertown. Live entertainment zones will be set up along the course, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Track your favourite runners in real-time using the official Oxford Half app and plan your day using the race day guide on Oxford Half’s website.
The new start/finish area on Mansfield Road will close from midday on Saturday 11 October until 8.00pm on Sunday 12 October. The earliest road closures begin at 5.00am on Sunday, with most roads reopening by 3.00pm.
For the full list of road closures and timings, visit Oxford Half’s website.
