Athletics: Steve Bayton and Sarah Lowery looking to repeat Yorkshire Half Marathon success in the Steel City

Sarah Lowery won the women's title at the Yorkshire Half Marathon last year

It is the fourth year under the management of the “Run for All” series, a legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson. The race has an exciting course with all the atmosphere of a city centre start, at Arundle Gate, and finish, next to the Town Hall.

The route takes in Eccleshall Road, Knowle Lane, Ringinglow Road, Sheephill Road, Limb Lane and Eccleshall Road South.

An innovative feature is the “King of the Hill” award for the section on Ringinglow Road between four and five miles which should be a good vantage point for spectators.

Last year’s winner was Steve Bayton (Hallamshire) in a time of 69:25 whilst the first woman was Sarah Lowery (Sheffield Running Club). Bayton is making the London Marathon his main target this year. Lowery has recently joined Rotherhan Harriers,

The race starts at 9:30am.

The Yorkshire Road Relay Championships take place today at the Brownlee Triathlon Centre, Leeds. Hallamshire look to have a strong entry in the men’s four stage race as do Rotherham. In the absence of Leeds City, these two should be challenging for the title. Hallamshire should also do well in the women’s four stage race with a squad of Charlotte Slack, Charlotte Ward, Evie Brailsford, Imani Wilson, Aislinn Prendergast and Hannah Whitelam.

Prendergast, an Australian orienteer staying in Sheffield, makes her Hallamshire debut. Leeds City and Rotherham, first and second in the Northern Championship, have not entered.

In the three stage relay for under 17 runners, Rotherham, with Mya Taylor and Cyane Robinson, should be comfortable winners.

There are also road races for under 15 and under 13 runners with Hallamshire’s Ruby Simpson favourite for the under 13 girls race.