News Feed5,500 runners to hit the streets for the Half Marathon
Monday, 19th Apr 2010 - 12:26pm
AROUND 5,500 runners will take to the city streets for the 2010 SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon this Sunday.
Elite and recreational runners signed up for the April 25 event in record time, with entries closing more than seven weeks before race day – making it the most popular race in the event’s 28-year history.
Half marathon organisers have seen the running boom help attract athletes from across the country for the race which starts from Don Valley Stadium at 9.30am on Sunday (April 25).
Entries have come in from runners including fundraisers, business people, celebrities and elite athletes from across the city, region and further afield meaning the runner limit was reached at the beginning of March.
Sheffield runner Jason Ward (31), who last year won the prestigious race in front thousands of home fans, is returning to the city in an attempt to regain his title.
Ward, who lives at Waterthorpe but now runs for Altrincham, led the 2009 Half Marathon virtually all the way and completed the race in one hour eight minutes and 2 seconds.
The corporate challenge has attracted 57 business teams entering the race including high profile Sheffield businesses including DLA Piper and Sheffield International Venues.
The usual road closures will apply on the day of the race around Don Valley Stadium, across the city centre and on Ecclesall Road.
Race organisers have advised motorists to steer clear of these areas until the race has finished but are encouraging supporters to line the route to help cheer on the athletes and also come along to Don Valley Stadium to watch the start and finish of the race.
A range of entertainment including a fun fair, children’s rides, face painting, sporting activities and refreshments will be on offer at the stadium throughout the morning.
Last year’s race raised a whopping £95,000 and organisers are also hoping this year’s runners will collect another record breaking amount of money for the chosen benefiting charities. Myasthenia Gravis Association, RSPCA Sheffield, Macmillan Cancer Support, Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre South Yorkshire, Sheffield Wildlife Trust, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind, Teenage Cancer Trust and Motor Neurone Disease Association will all benefit from the money raised.
Applications for the 3k Sheffield Great Fun Run are still being taken – but runners will have to collect their race number before 8.15 am on race day at Don Valley Stadium. Call 0114 230 8429 or enter direct on the website.
