Oxford Half Marathon – Team Earth Trust 2026
The Oxford Half Marathon returns this October 11th. With a beautiful flat route through the historic centre of Oxford, it is a favourite challenge for many local runners. But for Earth Trust, it’s an opportunity for our amazing community to come together and fundraise in support of our work.
Why the Oxford Half matters to Earth Trust
At Earth Trust, our mission is to help nature and people thrive together. Britain is one of the least nature-connected nations in the world, with 1 in 3 people unable to reach a good-quality green space within 15 minutes of home. This impacts not only on our health and well-being, but also means people feel increasingly distant from the natural world, and less inspired to care for and protect it.
That’s why the Oxford Half Marathon is so important – it’s not just a race, it’s a chance for our passionate fundraisers to make a tangible difference for nature, and inspire others to get out and about in green spaces too. With the money they raise, we can continue our work restoring and protecting our beautiful landscapes, innovating for nature-friendly farming, and offering thousands of people the chance to connect with the natural world.
This year, our team of 15 runners, including two of our own – CEO Ian Barrett and Director of Operations Dave Lewis – come from all elements of our community. Alongside Ian and Dave, we have corporate members from Dark Horse Roastery, Oxygen and Hedges Law, volunteers and local residents, friends and family of staff members, and Stuart, who got married here last year! Read all about our incredible runners and their motivations for supporting Earth Trust below.
| Ian (Earth Trust) “I’m running for Earth Trust because I am passionate about the work we do. Running 13.1 miles is a personal challenge, but it’s also a chance to raise awareness and support for what we do. Every donation will help us continue creating a caring for places where both nature and people can thrive.” | Victoria “Since moving from London to Oxfordshire, I’ve discovered just how much being close to nature changes everything. I’m lacing up my trainers because I believe everyone deserves access to the kind of restorative green spaces that have made such a difference to my own life here.” |
| Emily, Bryony, Emma & Arthur (Dark Horse Roastery) “We have chosen to run for Earth’s Trust as you are just on our doorstep. We already do some fundraising for you but we’re keen to do more for you and have a bit of a personal challenge too! Little Wittenham woods is one of our favourite places” | Suzie (Oxygen) “I am fundraising for Earth Trust because the land they look after is a beautiful, rich & wild area that needs protecting. As a nature lover, dog walker, trail runner & mother to 3 children who love nature & running around outside, I strongly believe in protecting areas such as these.” |
| Georgia “I am passionate about nature and conservation. I also love challenging myself. To contribute to nature while fulfilling a challenge is exciting.” | Ed (Hedges Law) “Earth Trust is a great charity which I have come to know personally and professionally through Hedges role as a corporate member.” |
| Jemma “I’m passionate about nature and access to open green spaces for all. Having always enjoyed visits to Wittenham Clumps, I appreciate the benefit gained in preserving the natural environment for future generations. Your goals and mission as a charity resonate strongly with me.” | Dave (Earth Trust) “Every day I see how the contribution of our supporters is turned into practical, on-the-ground benefits for both nature and people. Running this half marathon is a personal challenge, but it’s also my way of giving something back to a cause I genuinely believe in.“ |
| Eilidh “I am a volunteer for Earth Trust, and I want to help in as many ways I can, so beautiful green spaces are available for everyone. Training for the Oxford Half is my motivation to start a progressive running programme to build up my fitness again and enjoy running in the wonderful outdoors.” | Stuart “We got married with you in September and we love the Clumps and the countryside around. I have done lots of environmental campaigning and advocacy; looking after nature and our planet is the most important cause to me, therefore I am very aligned with Earth Trust’s values.” |
| Jessie “I know and love the river by Dorchester, and the area from Wittenham Clumps down to Dorchester. I strongly support the work the Earth Trust is doing to maintain this and its other projects” | Lauren “Walking and running through the countryside with my dog, Dexter, is something I love, and I’m passionate about helping to protect the natural environment around us.” |
The power of community
Team Earth Trust are all taking on this challenge with different levels of experience and different motivations for getting active, but they are all united by their love of nature and belief in the work that Earth Trust does. We are so incredibly grateful to have a community who use their passion for the natural world to fundraise for us – their dedication, energy, and commitment help to make our work possible.
If you’ve been inspired by what you’ve read, please consider donating to support the phenomenal effort our runners are making!
View their JustGiving pages here
You can also share this blog post and their fundraising page with anyone you think would be interested in supporting them.
Getting active with Earth Trust
Join us next year!
If you’d like to be first to hear about the 2027 places in Team Earth Trust, join our Oxford Half 2027 waitlist.
Didcot 5
Coming up on July 5th is Didcot 5, which offers both a five mile run and two mile fun-run. Earth Trust is one of their nominated charities for the 10th year, and we are so grateful for their support!