Run the Oxford Parks #3 - University Parks
Schedule
Sat Jun 13 2026 at 10:15 am to 01:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Oxford University Parks | Oxford, EN
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It's back for 2026! Run the Oxford Parks - a series of 5 adventure races around the picturesque parks and areas around Oxford. We give you a map and a timing chip, and you have to race around a series of checkpoints. There's a twist though - there's no set route, and you choose your own route between each checkpoint, using your map!
Please note this event is pre-entry only – there will be no entry at the event. Enter in advance here: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=17987
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RACE HQ:
Near the Keble Gate to University Parks (SW corner, off Parks Road).
Please use park and ride if possible - see www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/public-site/park-and-ride.
Pear Tree (convenient to the A40 and A34) is recommended, as buses down Banbury Rd stop very near The Parks.
There is some pay and display parking around the park (mainly to the North), but this is rather expensive!
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TERRAIN
A lovely park with open areas, some complex vegetation and wooded areas, all on the banks of the River Cherwell. The longer courses will also visit the adjacent University Science Area, for an added urban challenge around the streets and alleys!
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REGISTRATION AND START TIMES
Start a course any time from 10.30am to 12.00pm.
Courses close at 1.30pm - everyone must report back to the Download tent by then, whether finished or not.
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COURSES
Note the distances are straight line distances between the controls; you'll run further!
RED: 5.4k. Navigational difficulty: 3/5.
Ideal for runners looking to try orienteering - this course is like an unmarked trail race. Fairly easy, some navigation, but not too tricky! You'll probably run 6 to 6.5k actual distance with this course.
ORANGE: 2.6k. Navigational difficulty: 3/5.
Ideal course for families, adult newcomers, and juniors with some experience. Reasonably easy, with some navigation required. Probably around 3.5k actual distance, depending on your route choices!
YELLOW: 1.5k. Navigational difficulty: 2/5.
Easy. Short and suitable for juniors or supervised newcomers. Controls on or near paths.
WHITE: 1.3k. Navigational difficulty 1/5.
Very short and easy, with controls on every junction, so little navigation required. For young children.
If you're a runner trying adventure running for the first time, the Red course is ideal - it's fairly easy, navigation-wise, so you won't get lost, and you'll probably run 6 to 6.5km doing it; if that's too much, then Orange might be more suitable (same difficulty, just shorter - about a 3.5k run, so it's ideal for a taster of the sport).
For family groups, we recommend the Orange course, or Yellow if you want something shorter.
For juniors, Yellow is a good course, though juniors new to the sport should be accompanied.
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ENTRIES
Enter here: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=17987
You must enter in advance, as there'll be no entry at the event.
- Red course - members £6, non-members and family groups £8, Juniors & Students £2
- White, Yellow, Orange courses - members £5, non-members and family groups £7, Juniors & Students £2
Timing chip hire £1 (essential if you do not own one).
Enter by the end of Sunday 7 June for the above prices; entries remain open until the day itself but this is subject to us having any maps remaining. There's also a £3 surcharge on the above prices (£1.50 juniors) after 7 June.
Your entry fee includes a special waterproof orienteering map with your course printed on it, to keep as a souvenir, hire of a timing chip (SI) to register at each control point around your course, and a print out of your result and splits at the finish.
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FACILITIES
- Help provided for all newcomers to come and try orienteering for the first time
- Toilets (public WCs in middle of park near Pavilion)
- Please bring your own drinks
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Where is it happening?
Oxford University Parks, Oxford, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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