Because the ODU is the only non-British alumni association (out of more than 40) to compete in this 67-year-old annual competition, the organisers are seizing the opportunity to rebrand the event The International Thames Hare & Hounds cross-country race.

So ODs who have always aspired to national colours need to look no further than the 12th December (provisional and subject to the diktats of "the science") for this year's race.

The race is a five-mile cross-country event on Wimbledon Common. This will be the fifth year an OD team has participated, and, under our fleet-of-foot captain, Rowan Nicholls (O, 2010) we have acquitted ourselves with honour. This year we hope to better our previous performances. Having overtaken Dulwich, Marlborough, and Stowe - Eton, Oundle, Ampleforth and Winchester know we're after them.

There are the obligatory post-match refreshments which are as wet and as cold as the race itself - and lots of fun and medically necessary.

To run - in a very distinguished OD running vest - please email Rowan HERE.

In the photo, taken after the race, are last year's team (four is the minimum - come on chaps) are Robbie Brink (2013K), Rowan, Gordon Robinson (1990F) and Caelim Parkes (1990O).