A RALLYING cry has gone out for this year’s Oxford Town and Gown 10K as registration opens to runners.

The klaxon has sounded and the race is on to sign up as event organiser, Muscular Dystrophy UK, is hoping for a record turn out for this year’s fundraiser.

More than 4,475 runners took on the scenic course through Oxford city centre in 2017 – the highest number of competitors in the race's 37 year history in Oxford.

But this year’s aim is to push that total up to 5,000, all helping make a difference to the charity which supports people with Muscular Dystrophy – a muscle-wasting condition.

Among competitors already signed up for this year’s race is Colin Hamilton and his family, after the 59-year-old was diagnosed with FSH muscular dystrophy 12 years ago.

He said: “My condition is FSH which is passed on genetically.

“I was diagnosed 12 years ago now and previously I enjoyed doing quite a lot of sport and was playing five-a-side football when I sustained a relatively straightforward injury to my left leg.

“I had physio for a couple of months but there was no improvement.

"I was referred to a neurologist and within one look at me he said I had FSH.”

The condition is genetic and causes muscles, especially those in the limbs, shoulders and face to weaken over time.

Mr Hamilton, a former languages teacher at Henry Box School and Wood Green School in West Oxfordshire, is now retired and lives in Edinburgh.

But with continuing links to Oxford, including his daughter Caitlin, 26, who works in the department of plant sciences at Oxford University, the whole family are looking forward to taking on this year’s Oxford Town and Gown.

The dad-of-two added: “I keep pretty active and go walking a lot, but it is quite a change certainly from 15 to 20 years ago.

“It is a bit frustrating as I still feel like taking part in sport.”

“Caitlin has worked with Oxford University for a year now and we often meet with family in Oxford.

“Having lived in Witney we know the area very well so the Town and Gown is a good excuse to come back.”

Mr Hamilton will be joined by his wife Barbara, Caitlin, son Alistair and several other family members to help raise money for the charity.

The event will be held on Sunday, May 13, starting at University Parks and entry is £25.

Muscular Dystrophy UK Town and Gown manager, Jessie Keighley, said: “We’re aiming for 5,000 runners to join us this year to help raise vital funds so that we can reach more of the 70,000 people living with muscle-wasting conditions.”

Sign up for the race at townandgown10k.com/oxford