South Yorkshire runs to keep you fit in 2020

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an ultra-marathon pro, there are plenty of runs to keep you focused on your fitness in 2020.

South Yorkshire is home to a host of annual running events to suit all ages, fitness levels and abilities.

There is everything from colour runs to marathons, to help you get fit, smash a PB or raise some money for charity.

Sheffield half marathon

The ever-popular Sheffield half marathon offers a city centre start with scenic views of the Peak District.

Thousands of competitors of all abilities are expected to take part in the 2020 race, which takes place on 29 March 29.

Starting on Arundel Gate, the route takes runners up Ecclesall Road, Encliffe Park, around the outskirts of Dore, and back to the city centre.

The cost of entries starts at £35.40, which includes a £2.40 processing fee, and registration fees go directly to organisers Run For All Ltd to cover the costs of staging the event.

Any profits from the Sheffield Half Marathon go directly to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, and all entrants are encouraged to fundraise for the charity of their choice.

Find out more: http://www.runforall.com/events/half-marathon/sheffield-half-marathon/

ASDA Foundation Sheffield 10K

If you’re not quite up to half-marathons yet don’t worry- The Asda foundation Sheffield 10k is a great run to aim for.

Staged in partnership with Sheffield City Council, this 10K has a fantastic course right through the heart of the city.

The course takes runners from Arundel Gate along Charter Row and Ecclesall Road, before skirting the edges of the ever-beautiful Endcliffe Park.

The event is suitable for beginners aged over 15, and takes place on September 27.

Runners are encouraged to fundraiser for a charity of their choice. More details can be found here: https://www.runforall.com/events/10k/sheffield-10k/

Yorkshire Cakeathon

The Yorkshire Cakathon in Penistone offers participants the chance to have their cake and eat it too.

The cake-themed run takes place on March 21, and the course runs from the Village Hall in Penistone Inn in a 6.55 mile loop along the scenic Trans Pennine Trail.

Runners can complete the route as many times as they like in a six-hour period, and there will be plenty of tasty cake to keep energy levels up throughout the day.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own cake creations to enjoy at the end, and there are prizes up for grabs for the best treats.

For more information, see: http://www.saxon-shore.com/cakeathon_yorkshire/

Cannon Hall dash

Set in the grounds of the majestic Georgian country house Cannon Hall, this evening run is a chance to enjoy a light summer evening.

During the 2.5 mile laps, runners can take in the grounds of the park and pretty Cawthorne village on May 6.

Participants can choose to run either five or ten miles.

See: http://www.itsgrimupnorthrunning.co.uk/grim-up-north-running-events/event/cannon-hall-dash-barnsley-2020/id/120/do/details

Run for wildlife 5k

Curly's, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park and the YWP Foundation team are back for 2020 with their safari 5k.

Participants get the unique opportunity to run alongside the critters at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, including lions, giraffes, rhinos, baboons, and giant otters.

The event is a real family day out, with entry to the park included in the entrance cost, and a junior fun run for youngsters aged four to 10.

The run takes place on April 26, and runners often get geared up in fancy dress for the occasion.

For more information, see https://curlysathletes.co.uk/run-for-wildlife-5k

Sheffield colour obstacle rush

If you like your runs to be fun, look no further than the colour obstacle rush at Rother Valley Country Park.

Held on June 13, the entry fee includes an event T-shirt, a colour packet and even a finish line festival.

Wear old clothes and expect to get messy – the colour obstacle rush combines the fun of colour powdered runs, the thrill of an obstacle course and the atmosphere of a music festival.

Although this is a ‘running’ event you don’t have to run if you don’t feel like it – plenty of participants ending walking and dancing their way around the course.

The organisers have promised new inflatables with colour stations inside some of them, space hopper racing, foam and plenty of other surprises up their sleeve.

To find out more, visit: https://colorobstaclerush.co.uk/event/sheffield/

Doncaster Ginatholn

If you’re fond of pouring an ice-cold G&T to reward yourself for your run, then this is the perfect combo for you.

The 6K mixed terrain (roads, tracks and trails) run/walk has stations every 1.5km, stocked with optional Gin & Tonic.

Run, walk or crawl your way around this Gin themed event, with prizes up for grabs for the best fancy dress.

The event starts at Glass Park Millennium Green, Doncaster, and takes place on July 31.

Find out more: http://www.athlons.uk/gin.html

Rother Valley running festival

Rother Valley Country Park is the perfect location for this exciting running festival.

There are three different routes for all abilities – 10k, half marathon and marathon, and all races share the same finish.

For more information, see: https://cannonballevents.co.uk/rother-valley/

Race for life

This year thousands of runners descended on Graves Park to raise money for Cancer Research UK at the charity’s annual Race for Life event.

Next year’s race for life takes place on June 14, and offers a 5k and 10k route, as well as an adults and kid’s pretty muddy obstacle course.

For more information, see: https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/