Sheffield half marathon's return attracts 7,000

More than 7,000 people have put their names down for this Sunday's Sheffield Half Marathon.
Runners took to the streets of a blustery Sheffield to compete in the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon on Sunday April 12th. picture by mike cowling for Plusnet.Runners took to the streets of a blustery Sheffield to compete in the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon on Sunday April 12th. picture by mike cowling for Plusnet.
Runners took to the streets of a blustery Sheffield to compete in the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon on Sunday April 12th. picture by mike cowling for Plusnet.

The race gets under way at 9.30am, following a scenic route from Arundel Gate, along Ecclesall Road, out into the hills of south west Sheffield and finishing back in the city centre outside the Town Hall.

Last year’s initial run with a new-look route proved a success after the events of two years ago, when the old race was cancelled at the last minute because of a shortage of water for runners.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

An estimated total of £350,000 was also raised for charities during 2015’s first Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon-Sheffield, organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run for All.

The event incorporates a triple challenge, giving entrants a chance to be crowned ‘King or Queen of the Hill’ in a timed hill climb, triumph in a largely downhill sprint section and cross the finish line first to lift the title.

Youngsters can enter mini and junior runs for free - one of 1.5k for children aged three to eight, and a 2.5k run for those aged nine to 14.

Runners are coming from across the world to take part this year, from countries as far afield as Chad, China, Jordan, Nigeria, the USA and Uruguay.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Former Premier League and World Cup referee Howard Webb, boxer Kell Brook and former sports minister Richard Caborn will be among the familiar faces competing.

A number of road closures will be in place on Sunday morning to make way for runners along the route.

Among the streets that will be closed to traffic in the city centre are: Arundel Gate, 4am-1pm; Pinstone Street between Surrey Street and Cross Burgess Street, 4am-4pm; Norfolk Street, 4am-4pm; Surrey Street, 4am-4pm; Charles Street between Arundel Gate and Pinstone Street, 4am-11am; Union Street, 4am-11am; Furnival Gate eastbound, 4am-4pm; Furnival Gate South westbound, 8.30am to 11am; Charter Row northbound, 8.30am-1.30pm and Charter Row southbound, 8.30am-11am.

Away from the city centre the closures include Ecclesall Road between the A61 Ring Road and Brocco Bank, 8am-1pm and between Brocco Bank and Ecclesall Road South, 8.45am-1pm; Ecclesall Road South, 8.45am-12.50pm; Knowle Lane, 9am-11.15am; Ringinglow Road between Knowle Lane and Fulwood Lane, 9am-11.30am; Sheephill Road, 9.15am-12pm; Hathersage Road between Whitelow Road and Limb Lane, 9.15am-12.30pm; Limb Lane, 9.15am-12.30pm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The A621 Abbeydale Road and A57 Manchester Road will remain open to traffic, as an alternative to the A625 Ecclesall Road/Ecclesall Road South.

Entries are still open for the half marathon.

n Visit www.theyorkshiremarathon.com to sign up.