Sheffield half marathon runners raised £350,000

Charities and officials assembled to celebrate the record fundraising amount as they launched the 2016 Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon-Sheffield.

Mike Tomlinson, co-founder of Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, said: “It’s way more than we’d hoped for and was just a great day.

“Every penny we raise for charity is a bonus – to get to £350,000 for one day is a real testament to the people of Sheffield and how local charities are supported.”

Around 7,500 people took part in the event last April – and this year the junior runs are free to enter, thanks to Arena Group.

Youngsters taking part in the runs are encouraged to run for Asperger’s Children and Carers Together, the 2016 partner charity.

The charity will use the money to fund weekly children’s clubs and a teenage youth club for young people with asperger’s.

Nicola Hough, of ACCT, said: “We’re really excited, we are a small charity and to have the opportunity of funds up to £10,000 coming in is amazing.”

Nine partner charities, including Macmillan Cancer Care and St Luke’s Hospice, were given a funding boost from last year’s run.

Tonya Kennedy, events fundraiser of The Children’s Hospital Charity, one of the partner charities again this year, said: “It’s massively important, it’s going to benefit young patients for years to come.

“This money will be able to give young patients the best experience on their way to recovery.”

Entries for this year’s half-marathon, on Sunday April 10, are now open.

n To register go to www.theyorkshiremarathon.com