Nearly 200 in Rotary race

7:39pm Sunday 11th May 2008

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The Oxford Fun Run had its biggest-ever turnout as about 180 runners sweltered in Saturday's sunny weather.

There were plenty of colourful creations on show as runners dressed as fairies, pirates and superheroes for the 5km run around the University Parks.

Jason Richmond, 37, of Acacia Avenue, Greater Leys, who ran as a pirate, said: "I started off with a hat, moustache and beard but it all started falling off halfway round, because of the heat.

"At least I'm still standing this year. Last year I just collapsed at the end."

Lisa Kyle, dressed as a character from the Disney film The Incredibles, while her friend Sophie Forster donned a Super Girl outfit.

Miss Kyle, 20 from Abingdon, said: "It was great fun. We got lots of cheers from everyone on the way round and people singing theme tunes at us. I'm not feeling so incredible at the moment though."

Miss Forster, from Southampton, said: "I really enjoyed it but I was slower than last year. I think my cape slowed me down, it's far too hot. My superpowers left me a long time ago."

Ilya Kishchenkov, 18, of St Clare's School won the race for the second year running, in a time of 18min 50sec.

Kirsten Lillie, 29, a house warden at St Clare's, was the first woman home in a time of 22min 55sec, finishing 24th overall.

The race, organised by Oxford Rotary Club, is estimated to have raised more than £5,000 for Oxfordshire charities, including the Pathway Workshop for the disabled, in Blackbird Leys.