Nothing quite unites Sheffield like the half marathon - as 6,000 people brave the cold and hills for charity
Cold winds and a splash of rain didn’t stop thousands of people from joining in on this year’s half marathon.
“I’ll do every single one,” Sheffield legend John Burkhill shouted at BBC radio presenters as he passed the start line at this year’s half marathon.
The famous man with a pram was one of 6,353 people who joined in on today’s (March 29) event, which saw them brave cold winds for a 13 mile trek through the city.
And while distance is one thing, height is another, as Sheffield’s famous hills - and especially the mile-long climb up Ringinglow Road - present unique challenges for those taking part.
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Some participants were simply trying to improve their health or hit a personal target, but at the heart of things were the many charities who raised thousands from volunteers taking part.
“I think people really recognise that cancer affects pretty much everybody and every family at some stage - so it’s been absolutely brilliant just seeing everyone get behind us.”
The local charity set up a stall at the Peace Gardens, with plenty of other charities including St Luke’s Hospice, Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Jane Tomlinson Appeal all benefiting from the event.
Sam, who works for St Luke’s and has tackled two half marathons before, added: “We’ve got a great team of people, there’s I think over 160 people running for the hospice today so we’re so excited for it.”
Meanwhile City of Sanctuary Sheffield organised its first ever team of runners, half of them being refugees and people seeking asylum in a sign of unity.
Relatives of murdered schoolboy Harvey Willgoose also took part, sporting custom shirts and raising funds for a youth club mum Caroline hopes to establish.
The race finished by 10.40am, with Samual Moakes coming out in front, finishing in just 01:06:57.
He was quickly followed by Daniel Haworth, who was just 33 seconds behind.
Claire Frankland was the first woman to finish, crossing the line in one hour, 01:18:55.
Meanwhile Sheffield’s favourite fundraiser John Burkhill came in 6,317th, finishing in 03:14:16.
Every finisher was rewarded with a packed goody bag, refreshments and a well‑earned medal to mark their achievement.
Tristan Batley-Kyle, operations director at Run For All, said: “It’s always a pleasure to return to Sheffield for South Yorkshire’s biggest half marathon, and today was no exception. The atmosphere was incredible - thousands of runners and supporters came together to create a memorable day for the city.
“A huge well done to everyone who took part, whether you were chasing a personal best, running for a cause close to your heart, or simply embracing the challenge. Every participant and every supporter helped make this event such a success.
“We’re already excited to be back in Sheffield for the 10K in September, and we’d encourage anyone thinking about setting themselves a goal to get involved. Entries for the 2027 Sheffield Half Marathon are also now open, and we’d love to see even more people on the start line next year.”