Oxfordshire Adventurers Challenged to Race Across the County for Local Homelessness Charity

OXFORD, UK – Inspired by the hit BBC TV series Race Across the World, Homeless Oxfordshire is searching for 20 intrepid teams to take part in its brand-new fundraising challenge: Race Across Oxfordshire.

Taking place on Monday, 11 May 2026, the event will see teams of two relying only on their wits and a limited budget to navigate a series of secret checkpoints across the county. 

The 10-hour endurance challenge will test the competitors’ teamwork, resilience and patience with a series of tasks set along the way. Starting at the voco Oxford Spires Hotel, participants will navigate their way through the city of Oxford and various towns and landmarks across the county in a bid to be the first to reach the final checkpoint. Following the challenge, an awards event will be held on Monday 18 May at voco Oxford Spires Hotel, where the winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded. 

With entries now open, the charity is calling on local residents, work colleagues, and adventure-seekers to sign up and test their resilience, all while raising vital funds to support those experiencing homelessness in Oxfordshire.

Tim Wraith, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Homeless Oxfordshire, said: “We are looking for teams who are ready to step out of their comfort zones and take on a challenge like no other. 

Race Across Oxfordshire is about more than just reaching the finish line. It’s a test of teamwork and resourcefulness that reflects the resilience shown every day by the people we support. We want to see the local community come together to help us reach our fundraising goal and make a real difference to lives across the county.”

The event is supported by headline sponsor Oxford Economics, whose partnership ensures that more of the money raised goes directly to providing high-quality accommodation and specialist support for the 170+ people Homeless Oxfordshire houses every night.

Adrian Cooper, Executive Chairman at Oxford Economics, added: “As an organisation with deep roots in Oxford, we’re proud to support initiatives that strengthen the communities around us. Partnering with Homeless Oxfordshire for Race Across Oxfordshire reflects our commitment to the city and county we call home, and to backing organisations that are working to address homelessness and build a more inclusive local economy.”

The Challenge – What You Need to Know

The challenge is designed for teams of two who are ready to test their resourcefulness to the limit. Participants must play by strict rules, relying on local knowledge, limited resources and their own intuition to navigate the county.

The ultimate goal is to reach the final destination by successfully traversing a series of secret checkpoints, each requiring the completion of unique tasks that will challenge the teams’ problem-solving skills and stamina.

To secure a place in this inaugural event, teams must pay a £200 registration fee and commit to a minimum fundraising pledge of £1,000. These funds will go directly towards Homeless Oxfordshire’s vital services, providing a lifeline for those experiencing homelessness across the region. 

With high demand expected for the 20 available team spots, interested participants are encouraged to submit their entries by 1 April to avoid missing out on the chance to be crowned the first-ever Race Across Oxfordshire champions.

In addition to competitors, Homeless Oxfordshire is also seeking local businesses interested in coming on board as checkpoint or prize sponsors.

To find out more, register your team, or enquire about sponsorship, please visit https://homelessoxfordshire.uk/fundraising-events/ or contact Tim Wraith at Timwraith@homelessoxfordshire.uk.