The inaugural event saw 57 runners and walkers take part across the 5k and 10k routes, supported by 10 volunteers who helped make the morning run smoothly. Starting and finishing at Bailey Bridge in Port Meadow, participants were welcomed with CIO Fun Run t-shirts, race bibs and plenty of encouragement from colleagues cheering along the course.
Together, the CIO community raised an impressive £1,428 for Cancer Research UK, supporting vital research to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The total reflects the generosity of participants, donors and supporters from across the Centre and wider community.
After crossing the finish line, runners, walkers and volunteers enjoyed well-earned treats from sponsors Knead Bakery and The Missing Bean.
The Fun Run was also a valuable opportunity to bring members of the Centre together outside the lab and clinic, strengthening connections across teams while supporting a cause closely aligned with CIO’s mission.
Following the success of this first event, the CIO hopes to make the Fun Run an annual fixture, with wider participation from other groups to help grow the event and extend its fundraising impact.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part, volunteered, donated or came along to cheer. Special thanks go to Emery Hoos for driving this event forward from idea to reality, and to the event sponsors — GenScript, Novogene, New England Biolabs, BioLegend, Miltenyi, Knead Bakery and The Missing Bean — whose generous support helped make the inaugural CIO Fun Run such a success.
