A MAN who dreamed up Oxford's 'most scenic run' watched his nephew become the first to finish the route this weekend.

Tim Lund’s gruelling 24-mile event, the ‘Oxford View Cones Circuit’, saw its first participant complete the course in searing heat on Sunday.

Organisers have attempted to incorporate some of the city’s most iconic viewpoints in a route which starts and ends at The Perch pub in Binsey, Oxford.

Oxford Mail:

Mr Lund believes the best view is ‘without question’ at Boars Hill, though Port Meadow and South Park are also included.

There are also orienteering and swimming elements involved in the route, which goes past the site of two Oxford park runs, at Cutteslowe Park and Harcourt Hill.

There is a choice of route for participants in the near-marathon distance event, which is centred around 10 viewing points.

Mr Lund explained: “The idea is to define a new challenge for local runners, possibly walkers too, and to this end, I have reconnoitred the route, created some running cues, and got my nephew, Harold Wyber, to take up this challenge.”

Mr Wyber, a 33-year-old elite marathon runner, completed the route in three hours 34 minutes.

Oxford Mail:

He said: “I thought it was a fantastic concept - I do like these idea for runs or cycling events based around a concept or location. It’s a good opportunity to see the countryside around Oxford.

“Some of the the views are fantastic, particularly at Boars Hill. It’s a nice thing to take your mind off the run.

“I was feeling really good near the end and knowing that I would have that cooling swim and a pint when I got here helped.”

Speaking after finishing the event, he continued: “I hope it becomes something which other people have a go at and some people do quicker times.

“It feels nice to have been the start of something. I have enjoyed it and I hope other people have the chance to enjoy it as well.”

Oxford Mail:

Mr Lund, 61, added: “The theme for the challenge is to run round all the points from which views of the historic centre of Oxford are officially protected.

“I just want to put it out there as an interesting challenge for local runners.”

Having himself tested the course, he added: “I swam across the river when I did it and it was very refreshing.

“I think of the course as something that runners would do independently, but if people wanted to do an annual event then absolutely, yes.”

Mr Lund, originally from Binsey but now living in London, said that as a keen runner he used to venture out to scenic viewpoints when he came back to Oxford - so thought it would be a good idea to include 10 in a new circuit.

The Perch pub is set to keep a roll of honour for people who complete the course - and offer a free pint to each of them, according to Mr Lund.

A number of runners have expressed interest in completing the event. For more information, visit strava.com/routes/14470653.