Thousands set to take part in Yorkshire Half Marathon-Sheffield

Thousands are set to get running this weekend at the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon-Sheffield for its third year.

Since it was officially launched in 2015, the half marathon has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity, with the next outing is set to be another huge event with over 7,000 runners signing up.

The half marathon gets underway at 9.30am on Sunday April 9. Boasting a scenic and at times challenging route, it starts in Arundel Gate and heads towards the hills above Sheffield with superb views of the Peak District before returning to the city centre and the big finish outside the Town Hall in Pinstone Street.

The event also 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 10K sprint section and cross the finish line first to lift the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon-Sheffield title.

Among those taking part are Rugby League stars Barrie McDermott, Terry O’Connor and Keith Senior.

Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon Event Manager Lynne Preston said: “In three years, more than 20,000 people have signed up to take part in the Yorkshire Half Marathon and it has rapidly established itself as one of the must-do events in the region.

“A huge reason for its popularity is the amazing reception that the city of Sheffield gives our runners. The support really is second-to-none and gives our participants a massive boost around what is a challenging course.
“We really hope that the half marathon will receive another rapturous welcome on Sunday 9th April. So if you’re not running, do get out there and show them your support.”

The festival will also see hundreds of children take part in the Arena Group Sheffield Mini and Junior Runs on the same morning, bringing a huge splash of colour to the city’s streets.

The mini course covers a distance of 1.5K and is for children aged 3-8, while the 2.5K junior run is for youngsters aged 9-14.

All those taking part in the junior runs are encouraged to raise a small amount of money for a good cause of their choice or run for this year’s partner charity, which is Whirlow Hall Farm Trust.

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “I’m very much looking forward to the third running of the Yorkshire Half Marathon-Sheffield, which really does showcase Sheffield, The Outdoor City at its best.

“Although the route is undoubtedly a challenging one, the view from the top of Ringinglow Road across the Peak District is surely one of the best rewards any weary runner could hope for.

“I hope the people of Sheffield who aren’t running this year will turn out and line the route, to offer their support and shout the thousands on as they run, jog and walk the 13.1 mile course.”

Half Marathon Event Timetable:
7.30am – Race office opens on the Peace Gardens – collect your media accreditation
8.50am – Participants make their way to their timed assembly zones
9.15am – Mass warm up in assembly zones
9.30am – Race starts
10.35am – Winner expected

Mini and Junior Run Timetable:
9.15am – Mini and junior runners to arrive in Peace Gardens
9.40am – Warm up for everyone
9.50am – Races start
10.00am – Winners return