Sheffield Half Marathon 2020: When does the race start, can you still enter and how much does it cost?

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a novice looking for a new challenge, it’s not too late to get involved in this year’s race, which will take place on Sunday, March 29.

The deadline for entries does not fall until 5pm the Thursday before, which is March 26, unless the event reaches capacity before then, and organisers say it may even be possible to enter on the day.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re thinking of taking part.

WHEN DOES THE RACE START?

The scheduled starting time is 9.30am on Sunday, March 29. The clocks are set to go forward that morning so make sure you’re not caught out.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENTER?

The standard entry fee is £36 plus a £2.50 processing charge.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ENTRY FEES?

They go directly to Run For All Ltd to cover the costs of staging the event, with any profits going to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal. Entrants are encouraged to raise money for the charity of their choice.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO TAKE PART?

Competitors must be aged 17 or above on the day of the race.

WHAT IS THE ROUTE THIS YEAR?

The race will begin and end in the city centre as usual, with runners starting on Arundel Gate and finishing in front of the Town Hall. The course stretches out along Ecclesall Road past Endcliffe Park and up towards the Peak District before heading downhill to the outskirts of Dore and back via Ecclesall Road. There will be pacers to help runners achieve their target times.

WHAT FACILITIES ARE THERE ON THE DAY?

Toilets will be available at the start and finish and along the course and there will be water stations at around the 2.8, 5.1, 7.2 and 10.4 mile marks.

Other facilities will include baggage storage, massages and a friends and family meeting point, but no changing facilities will be provided.

WHAT DO RUNNERS RECEIVE?

Upon finishing the course, runners will get a goody bag with a T-shirt, a souvenir medal and other treats, including a bottle of water and an isotonic drink provided by Erdinger Alkoholfrei.

HOW MANY RUNNERS WILL BE TAKING PART?

Thousands of people enter each year, with 6,038 runners completing the course in 2019.

WHAT WERE THE WINNING TIMES LAST YEAR?

Jamie Hall was the fastest man, with a time of 1hr 11m 16s, and Phillipa Williams was the top woman and 19th overall, finishing in 1hr 17m 25s.

There are also awards for the King and Queen of the Hill and the 10K downhill ‘sprint’, with Arron Larkin (5m 56s) and Joanne Tandy (6m 49s) scaling the ascent fastest last time out and Jamie Hall (32m 07s) and Lyndsey Eastman (34m 45s) triumphing in the ‘sprint’.

Of course it’s not all about fast times, with the friendly atmosphere, silly costumes and inspiring stories all helping to make it such a special day.

For more information, and to register for the race, visit the Sheffield Half Marathon 2020 website.