Thanks to '˜inspirational' Sheffield half marathon runners for charity efforts

The Yorkshire Half Marathon held in Sheffield
A mass of runners fill Arundel gate in the city centre — The Yorkshire Half Marathon held in Sheffield A mass of runners fill Arundel gate in the city centre

More than 7,000 people took on the 13.1-mile course earlier today (Sunday, April 10), with all ages and abilities completing the challenging course that started and finished in the city centre, winding its way into the Peak District and back again.

After the race, Lord Mayor of Sheffield Talib Hussain said: “It was really inspiring to see so many runners taking to the streets of Sheffield, with thousands of people raising money for some excellent causes.

“Congratulations to everyone who took part and enormous thanks must also go to the many volunteers who gave up their time to help make the event such a success. We hope everyone has had a fantastic day and that you’ll join us again next year.”

The race had 10 official partner charities, and runners also raised money for other charities of their choice.

The Yorkshire Half Marathon held in Sheffield
Junior runners leave their startline on Pinstone Street — The Yorkshire Half Marathon held in Sheffield Junior runners leave their startline on Pinstone Street

Andy Baker, CEO of race sponsor Plusnet, said “The Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon was a huge success and raised a fantastic amount for some very worthy causes. Sheffield showed true community spirit, turning out in force to support the runners. You did us proud.”

The event was staged in partnership with Sheffield City Council by Run For All, part of the legacy of the late inspirational Jane Tomlinson CBE.

Run For All event director Charlie Tatman said: “A huge well done to everyone who took part today – we hope it was a day to remember. Thank you to everyone who has helped make today such a success, especially the volunteers who are the lifeblood of our events. See you next year”

On a day when the spectators generated a superb atmosphere, some of the biggest cheers were reserved for the hundreds of youngsters who took part in the event’s free Arena Group mini and junior runs.

The Yorkshire Half Marathon held in Sheffield
The men lead the runners away on Arundel Gate — The Yorkshire Half Marathon held in Sheffield The men lead the runners away on Arundel Gate

Arena Group managing director Adrian Fitzpatrick said: “It was excellent to see so many children taking part in the mini and junior runs which we were delighted to sponsor. They all did themselves proud.”

Official charity of the Arena Group Mini and Junior event was Asperger’s Children and Carers Together (ACCT).

The Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon’s official partner charities were Sheffield-based youth housing charity Roundabout; Myaware – the new name for the Myasthenia Gravis Association, which supports sufferers of this muscle weakening condition; Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice; Macmillan Cancer Care; The Children’s Hospital Charity; Sheffield Hospitals Charity; CLIC Sargent; St Luke’s Hospice, Breast Cancer Care and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

The Yorkshire Half Marathon-Sheffield’s supporters are Plusnet, Asda Foundation, Sheffield City Council, Radio Sheffield, The Star, iPro Sport, Aftershokz, BananaKick and Viisana.