Try running to and from work to improve your health and rack up the miles in Sheffield

After local runner and sports scientist Prof Steve Haake said more than one in 20 Sheffield commuters could switch to running some or all of their work journeys, local runners shared their tips on how and why more Sheffielders could start run commuting.

For employees, a shower and storage for work and running clothes is the key requirement, along with somewhere to dry kit in wet weather.

And a direct entrance from outside to showers and kit lockers is ideal, so wet weather runners do not have to drip their way through the office first.

Most run commuters wanted to fit their training in around family life, or to rack up more miles if they were race or marathon training.

They said the morning run also set them up for the day better than a stressful car or bus commute.

Tips for prospective run commuters are to get organised, work out where work, running and washing gear need to be stored, and build in an occasional cycling or public transport morning.

Many people start by taking their kit to work, then running home, to try out the distance, adding running home is a good way to clear your head after work.

If your workplace hasn’t got showers and storage areas yet, Prof Haake suggested asking around among colleagues to see if anyone else fancies running and build up strength in numbers.

He said: “You can then go to the boss collectively and say ‘can we have a shower put in’.”

Roxanne Maritz, from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust suggested looking for fellow runners at work if you’re new to the route or feel unsure about running alone.

She said: “You could perhaps see if you can gain a ‘running buddy.

The travel plan co-ordinator said the number of people walking and running during rush hour helped her feel more secure.

She said: “In darker months you could run with a head torch and wear reflective clothing so you’re seen.”

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