It’s a course record for Sheffield!

22 September 2019

Among the charities that were handed a cash boost today Sheffield also saw a new Run For All course record as thousands of runners turned out for the Asda Foundation Sheffield 10K.

It was the fourth running of the event, which since its launch in 2016 has established itself as one of the region’s biggest charity road runs.

The run started at 9.30am in Arundel Gate and took the entrants along Charter Row, Ecclesall Road, Rustlings Road, Graham Road, Riverdale Road, Endcliffe Vale Road and Brocco Bank before heading back to an exciting city centre finish in Arundel Gate.

The previous course record was held in 2018 by Michael Kallenberg with a time of 32:11, however Andrew Heyes smashed that today with a new record of 30:44.

First across the finish line was Andrew Heyes in a time of 32:11, with Mohamed Saleh second in 31:23 and Jamie Hall clocked 32:13 to take third place.

Elaine Livera was the first woman home in 37:41, ahead of Anna Watkinson-Powell second in at 38:01 and Hannah May Fletcher who finished third in 38:33.

Over 20 staff from Oakwood High School, Rotherham, took part in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust to support a former pupil who is battling cancer. Lulu Blundell, 16, who left Oakwood in July this year, was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer in May.

On her Just Giving page, Lulu says: “This charity does amazing work for young people such as myself.
Already they have given me wonderful medical care and supported myself and my family through an incredibly difficult time.”

To finish off a fantastic morning of running, a marriage proposal took place right on the finish line. Thankfully she said yes!!

Tens of thousands of pounds was raised for other good causes, including the event’s partner charities which this year were the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Children’s Air Ambulance, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Children’s Hospital Charity, Cavendish Cancer Care, Pacers, Sheffield Futures, Snowdrop Project, St Luke’s Hospice and Sheffield Mencap and Gateway.

The large field included hundreds of runners taking part in the Sheffield 10K Corporate Challenge, a race within a race in which companies and other organisations competed to be crowned the event’s fastest team. The results will be announced later.

Enthusiastic crowds helped create a fantastic atmosphere and some of the biggest cheers of the day youngsters in the Arena Group Sheffield Mini and Junior Run, a fun event for children aged 3-14. Children aged 3-8 tackled 1.5K, while 9-14-year-olds took on 2.5K.

Staged in partnership with Sheffield City Council, the Sheffield 10K forms part of the successful Asda Foundation Series, which includes runs in Leeds, York, Lincoln, Burnley, King’s Lynn, Nottingham, Bury, Middlesbrough, Derby and Hull.

The series is part of the legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson, who raised nearly £2m for charity by tackling a string of endurance challenges despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.

Mandy Hepworth, Asda Foundation co-ordinator, said: “Congratulations to all the runners who turned out today to make the Asda Foundation Sheffield 10K such a success. The event has developed into wonderful 10K that does so much to raise funds for local good causes.”

Tristan Batley-Kyle, head of events at race organiser Run For All, said: “We are enormously grateful to everyone – runners, spectators, sponsors and not least are hard-working volunteers – who contributed to that success.”

Adrian Fitzpatrick, Arena Group managing director, said: “All the youngsters who crossed the finish line of the mini and junior run can wear their medals with pride. Not only did they meet the challenge, their efforts benefitted charity so it really was a win-win.”

The Sheffield 10K event is sponsored by: