29 September 2022
What’s that happy sound? Why, it’s Oxfordshire Youth of course, cheering on our running team for the Oxford Half Marathon. This year, we have 34 amazing people limbering up to fundraise for us by completing the 22 kilometre long course through the beautiful streets of historic Oxford.
We’re particularly proud to have more wonderful human beings running for us than ever before, and that our team reflects the wide breadth of working partnerships that make us what we are. Team #RunforYouth includes our very own CEO, Jodie Lloyd-Jones, ‘fresh’ from her recent 100 kilometre, ultra marathon. The Half will be a walk in the park for her – almost literally as the route takes everyone winding around North, Thorn, Oak and Riverside Walks. Tom Goodenough, Education Lead for Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit, will be pounding the pavements for us, along with 12 people from Abingdon’s Radley College community, Richard Venables, an Oxfordshire Deputy Lieutenant, Jaime Stothard, the son of one of our excellent trustees, Treasurer Paul Stothard and Natalie Davis from The Wellbeing Generation. From our own staff team we’ll be rooting for Events Coordinator, Fred Karasinski-Stanley and Research and Impact Manager, Pippa Chevenix Trench alongside all of our other fabulous supporters who will #RunforYouth- we appreciate you all!
If you fancy coming out in support of team #RunforYouth on Sunday October 16th, they’ll be the ones in the bright red t-shirts emblazoned with our distinctive primary coloured, triangle motif – design inspiration was provided by an awesome young person who is part of our Youth Voice Network. The starting whistle blows at Oxford’s iconic Broad Street in the city centre and passes through Old Marston village, the River Cherwell and Oxford University’s impressive Lady Margaret Hall, before smashing through the tape on Parks Road. And in case you were wondering, we have sourced a sustainable sportswear vendor that uses recycled material made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles. This is so aligned with Oxfordshire Youth’s mission, vision, and values, and perfect timing as the young people on our Podcast Crew have just released an episode about climate activism.
This is a very special Oxford Half for OY as it falls in our 75th anniversary year during which we’re aiming to raise £75,000 through individual giving. From mental health interventions to crime prevention and safe, supported housing, we’re doing whatever it takes to ensure Oxfordshire’s young people survive and thrive. And right now, when economic and mental health crises are bearing down on our young people’s resilience, youth work and safe, supported housing are more vital than ever.
If you’re feeling warmed up and ready to pop your running shoes on, why not get in training to join the Oxfordshire Youth team of runners in 2023? We pay your entry fee and support you all the way, offering training tips, one of our snazzy vests and help and advice, so check out the Events section on our Support the Vision page. Alternatively, if you feel moved to donate before the runners even hit the blocks, thank you, you can do this via our JustGiving page.