Male course record broken as charity fundraisers take centre stage at the Sheffield Mutual Sheffield 10K

Andrew Heyes of local running club, Hallamshire Harriers claimed first place in a new course record of 29:44 at this morning's Sheffield Mutual Sheffield 10K, beating his own record set in 2019 by one minute. 

Many thousands of participants, spectators and volunteers united together today to take part in one of the region’s most popular running events, the Sheffield Mutual Sheffield 10K.

With the theme of fun and fundraising at the core, the many thousands of participants each ran for their own reason, but with a common goal, to make a significant difference to others. It was another fantastic day for the city, centred around running, fundraising and community spirit.

One of Sheffield’s most famous fundraisers, John Burkhill, known to many as ‘The Man with the Pram’ stood out, with today’s event marking his 1050^th race to date.

Known as ‘The Man with the Pram’, John had initially set his hopes on raising £250,000 for the charity so close to his heart. By 2013 John had impressively reached his initial goal and decided to raise his fundraising target to the magic £1 million – another milestone John managed to meet in May of this year.

Dedicating his life to fundraising, John has become one of the best-known characters amongst the Run For all community and event days up and down the country.

Cutting a distinctive figure in his green wig and sporting a giant foam hand, he is regularly seen at the start line of many Run For All events including the Sheffield Half Marathon, York 10K, Leeds 10K, Yorkshire 10 Mile, City of Lincoln 10K and Sheffield 10K.

Starting at 09:30 on Arundel Gate, runners of the 10K route made their way along Ecclesall Road, Rustlings Road, Graham Road, Riverdale Road, Endcliffe Vale Road and Brocco Bank. Participants then returned along Ecclesall Road for the electric city centre finish line on Arundel Gate.

Whilst charity fundraising was at the heart of today, a number of the region’s leading athletes aimed to reach the top of the scoreboards for the 10K distance.

In the men’s race, Andrew triumphed with a time of 29:44, followed in hot pursuit by Jack Martin claiming second place in 30:23, followed by Mark Jones in 31:31 in third place.

Martha Hanby was first to the finish line in an impressive time of 39:31 in the women’s race, and was pushed all the way by runner up Frankie Boutler and Georgia Hird, who clocked 40:16 and 41:13 respectively.

But the real winners were the many local and national charities, who will benefit from the efforts of the many people who took part in good causes, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds in the process and making a vital difference. 

Participants have been encouraged to fundraise for a chosen charity or one of the event's partner charities; Cavendish Cancer Care, Paces, Sheffield Futures, St Luke’s Sheffield Hospice, Snowdrop Project, Roundabout, The Children’s Hospital Charity and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

More than just a day of running, the day also highlighted the incredible communities in and around the city, from running clubs, volunteer and schools, with all areas showing their support.

Participants were encouraged out on the course by local entertainment groups; Samba Band, The Blackmarcs and Pinder Productions. 

The event also included the Sheffield Mutual Sheffield 10K Corporate Challenge, with a number of business organisations competing to be crowned Sheffield’s fastest business. The results of this event are expected in the coming days. 

The Sheffield Mini and Junior runs, sponsored by Xerox Business Solutions followed the 10K, with children from the ages of 3 to 15 taking part in an uplifting display of energy, determination and enjoyment.

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All, reflecting on the day, said: “A huge well done and thank you to all participants who joined us for one of South Yorkshire’s flagship running events, the Sheffield Mutual Sheffield 10K. With the addition of the Sheffield Mini and Junior running events, it has been a fantastic day of running and fundraising for all abilities and ages.

“The enthusiasm and support from everyone involved, from the participants to the many spectators, sponsors, partners and volunteers, all ensured the day was a great success.”

Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Bellamy at Sheffield Mutual also commented, “We’re proud to be the title sponsors for the Sheffield 10k which has raised thousands of pounds for some amazing charities. We’re delighted that some of the Sheffield Mutual team made it to the finish line on behalf of Weston Park Cancer Charity. It was great to meet so many of you in the events village on the day. I’d like to congratulate all those that finished and thanks to all the volunteers who helped to make this amazing event a huge success.”

At the start of this year, Sheffield Mutual and Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All announced a multi-year partnership which will see Sheffield Mutual be the title sponsor for both the Sheffield 10K and the Sheffield Half Marathon for the next two years.

Run For All will work together with Sheffield Mutual to inspire, motivate and empower participants of all ages and abilities to take up running across the region of South Yorkshire.

Entries are now open for the 2025 Sheffield Mutual Sheffield 10K, which will be staged on Sunday 28th September 2025. Discounted entries are available on here