Lissy Oxford Half Marathon 2023
Lissy Oxford Half Marathon 2023
Elliot Oxford Half Marathon 2023

HP Foundation Blog: Oxford Half Marathon

16/10/2023

HP Foundation Manager Lissy Kelleher-Clarke and Artist Coordinator Elliot Samphier ran the Oxford Half Marathon

On Sunday 15 October, two of our HP colleagues took part in the challenging Oxford Half Marathon to raise money for the HarrisonParrott Foundation to increase music access for all.

We have asked them about their experiences running the Half Marathon.

“It was an immense privilege to take part in the Oxford Half Marathon to raise funds for the HarrisonParrott Foundation. Knowing that the money we have raised will go towards removing access barriers to children receiving quality music education was a huge motivator for me.

The race itself was phenomenal. I couldn’t have asked for better weather (cold, sunny and crisp!) and an amazing support crew in my husband, corg, parents, cousin and the cheering crowds lining the streets of Oxford. 

I now find myself in a world of hurt, having achieved by goal of finishing in sub‑2 hours but will be lacing up again as soon as the hips permit!” — Lissy Kelleher-Clarke

Lissy Oxford Half Marathon 2023

“I’m so happy to have completed another half-marathon, although it felt extra special to be running on behalf of the HarrisonParrott Foundation, a cause that I am passionate about. The conditions for the race were absolutely fantastic, and it perfectly introduced Autumn to the UK.

I think with any race, the atmosphere of having crowds cheer you on is always memorable, but I think the beauty of Oxford in its surrounding areas was another highlight for me – I’ve never been to Oxford, so it was also a way of ​‘sight-seeing’ if you like…!

Endurance running is something I really enjoy, so to push myself once again physically and to have that mental battle, it’s further motivation for the future races to come – this certainly won’t be my last long-distance race! Roll on the Brighton Marathon in 2024!” — Elliot Samphier

Elliot Oxford Half Marathon 2023.PNG

A total of £1,179 has been raised for the HP Foundation, and all the money collected will go towards our annual Symposium taking place in November: Music Education at Scale.

Stay tuned for more information about the Symposium coming soon!