Thousands turned out to make new look Sheffield 10k race a hit

The Asda Foundation 10k was held for the first time yesterday as the successor to the Great Yorkshire Run in Sheffield.

From Arundel Gate, the runners made their way along Charter Row and Ecclesall Road before skirting around the edges of Endcliffe Park. They then continued along Riverdale Road and Endcliffe Vale Road, then down Brocco Bank for a grand finish in the city centre.

The streets were awash with colour as entrants made their way around the course cheered on by enthusiastic crowds.

Sheffield’s Lord Mayor Coun Denise Fox waved the runners off from the start line in formal attire, before throwing on a change of clothes and some running shoes to join the race.

The field included top athletes and fundraisers in fancy dress. Batman, Spiderman, Peppa Pig, Scooby Doo and a pair of Morris dancers were all given an extra special cheer from spectators.

Sheffield’s ‘Mad Man with the Pram’, fundraising hero John Burkhill was also taking part, posing for photos as scores of people dropped money in his Macmillan cancer charity bucket.

Rotherham’s Ray Matthews, who ran 75 marathons in 75 days, was also a special guest and paid tribute to the crowds.

Ray, of Maltby, said: “It’s a bit different to what I’ve been used to. I’ve done a lot of my running on my own when I did my 75-day challenge so this is a nice change.

“The event is fantastic, the crowds have been great and credit to the Jane Tomlinson Foundation - they’ve organised it so well.

“It’s nice to be recognised, I’ve had a few selfies with people on the way round, everyone has been brilliant. There’s nothing better on a Sunday morning than this.”

Sally Hall, aged 45, of Millhouses, cheered on her husband Stephen from the sidelines with three of their children.

She said: “It’s his first proper 10k race. We’ve all come down to cheer him on. He’s been training hard, going out with the dog most mornings at 4am.

“The event is fantastic, it’s been so great to see so many people taking part raising all this money for charity.”

Council cabinet member Mary Lea said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part. It was a great atmosphere and very inspiring to see thousands of people of all ages and abilities running for so many worthy causes.”