THIS personal trainer is trying to round up a record-breaking number of runners to take part in this year’s Oxford Town and Gown run.

Since 1995 Barry Grinham, owner of fitness firm Prime Energy, has been running the 10km race, which raises money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

While the team started small, with Mr Grinham and 10 runners, last year 103 pounded the streets.

Mr Grinham said he hoped to get similar numbers at Sunday’s event, but would not know the final total until the team gathered at the pavilion at University Parks on the day.

He said: “It’s a bit like a box of chocolates – I don’t know what I’m going to get until they turn up. But we always have a big team.”

In the past that has included a few famous faces, such as jockey Richard Dunwoody and former Formula 1 racing team boss Eddie Jordan.

Personal training clients of the Kirtlington-based company, along with those who attend Prime Energy fitness classes in North Oxfordshire, have all been encouraged to support the cause.

Mr Grinham said: “It’s local, it’s a good cause, and it gives my clients a challenge and a goal to work towards, especially some of my weight loss people who start off and can’t walk around the park, then six months later they are running 10km.”

The 59-year-old admitted his own times had been getting longer each year, and said his goal was to get around the course in under an hour.

He will be setting the pace for one of his team members who is also looking to complete in less than 60 minutes.

Mr Grinham said: “The atmosphere is always amazing. There are lots of people on the streets cheering.

“I get people coming from all over the country to run with us and it’s like a little mini conducted tour of Oxford.”

As well as picking up cups in the past for the biggest fundraising individual and team, Mr Grinham awards his own prizes for the fastest newcomer and the quickest team in the fitness arena.

Toya Champ, challenge events manager for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said: “It’s fantastic to hear about Barry and his team – roping in more than 100 people into a 10k dash is no mean feat.

“They will be by far our biggest team on race day, unless any other teams rise to the challenge.

“There’s still time to sign up folks.”

The run is now in its 32nd year and has raised more than £1m for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

People can sign up before the race at townandgown10k.com or turn up on the day.

The race starts at 10am and about 4,000 runners will take part.