Runners dig deep at South Yorkshire’s most challenging but scenic half marathon

Participants of all abilities and ages crossed the finish line in elation after completing south Yorkshire’s most challenging but gloriously scenic half marathon route.

It was a display of spirit and enthusiasm from all this morning as South Yorkshire’s biggest running event made it’s annual return to the city’s events calendar.

The newly named Sheffield Mutual Sheffield Half Marathon is a major event in not just Sheffield’s calendar but the UK running scene as a whole.

Attracting thousands of participants year on year, runners take on it’s challenging but scenic half marathon route. From charity fundraiser’s to elite athletes, all abilities embraced the challenge and crossed the finish line in a celebration of excitement and exhilaration.

Starting on Arundel Gate at 9.30am, the race was organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, the UK’s largest not-for-profit events company.

Famous for its mile-long climb up Ringinglow Road along with stunning views across the Peak District, the route first followed a course along the bustling Ecclesall Road and via the Botanical Gardens. Participants were encouraged by the hundreds of spectators who lined the streets to show their support.

Participants then arrived at Knowle lane, before reaching the stunning scenery of Peak District on Ringlow Road at mile four. It was at this point on the course that participants took on the Peaks Challenge; a timed hill climb between mile four and five. The results will be announced in due course.

Participants then made their way along Sheephill Road and Hathersage Road, before arriving at the start of the timed 10K at mile seven, which runs all the way back to the finish line.

Participants then reached Ecclesall Road South just after mile nine, before heading back along the busy neighbourhood of Ecclesall Road at around mile eleven. It was then the final stretch, a two-mile push back to the finish line on Arundel Gate.

Participants received brilliant support along the route and a fantastic atmosphere was felt amongst all from start to finish. Supporters and spectators lined the route and Arundel Gate was a buzz of excitement as loved ones greeted runners as they made their way along the home stretch.

Those that took part were greeted with a goody bag of rewards, including post-run treats and a hard-earned bespoke medal at the finish line.

The first male across the finish line was Samuel Moakes in a time of 1:08:58. John Birch took second place in 1:13:21 and Daniel Haworth in third in 1:14:32.  

Abbie Pearse was the first female across the finish line in 1:12:18 followed by Charlotte Knowles who clocked 1:23:33 for second spot and Sarah Lowery who took third in 1:24:33.

The day also highlighted the incredible communities in and around the city, from running clubs, volunteers and schools, all corners of the city showed their support. Music groups the Sheffield Hub Samba Band, the Blackmarcs and Oughtibridge Community Band kept runners entertained at various points on route.

The Event Village was hub of action as charity partners, sponsors and partners including food and drink refreshments took to Jubilee Square. It was here that participants took the opportunity to catch up with friends and family post-race, soaking up well deserved half marathon achievements.  

Providing a fundraising vehicle for charities is the primary objective of every Run For All event, ensuring that the money being raised stays local and supports the causes that needs them most.

As part of the event, runners had been encouraged to fundraise for their own charity of choice or one of the event’s partner charities. This year’s partner charities included; Cavendish Cancer Care, Paces, Sheffield Futures, St Luke’s Sheffield Hospice, Snowdrop project, Roundabout, The Children’s Hospital Charity and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

Dawn Webb, Chief Commercial Officer at Sheffield Mutual said “We’re proud to have sponsored this local event which has raised thousands of pounds for some amazing charities and good causes. We’re delighted that some team members and our supporters made it to the finish line on behalf of Weston Park Cancer Charity this year. 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.”

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All, said: “Congratulations to everyone that took part in this morning’s Sheffield Mutual Sheffield Half Marathon.

“A great morning and amazing atmosphere throughout, Tudor Square and Arundel Gate became a buzz of excitement as our participants, charity partners, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and partners joined us.

“It was great to see so many supporters come down and show their support, whether it be on the start and finish line or along the route.  

“We are delighted to confirm that entries are open for next year’s Sheffield Mutual Sheffield Half Marathon, we look forward to welcoming our participants to the start line in 2025.”

The event is supported by Sheffield Mutual, Sheffield City Council, Arla Protein, High 5, Erdinger Alkoholfrei, Up and Running, BBC Radio Sheffield, Coopah, Shokz, Gradwell and Marathon Photos Live.

Next year’s Sheffield Mutual Sheffield Half Marathon is set to take place on Sunday 23^rd March.  

Potential participants are encouraged to visit www.runforall.com for a limited time only discounted offer.

For more information, contact the Run For All press office on 0113 826 7768 or email press@runforall.com.

Notes to editors

About Run for All

Run For All is part of Jane Tomlinson CBE’s lasting legacy. Jane raised £1.85m for children’s and cancer charities before her untimely death from cancer aged just 43 in 2007. She made headlines across the world by competing in a series of epic endurance challenges from the London Marathon, Ironman and triathlon competitions, to a 4,200 mile cycle ride across the width of the USA – despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer. Her family continue to raise funds in her name, and through the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and Run For All, more than £10m has now been raised for charities.

Along with the Sheffield Mutual Sheffield Half Marathon, Run For All’s stable of events already includes successful 10Ks and 10Ms in Leeds, Sheffield, York, Hull, King’s Lynn, Lincoln, Leicester, Bury and Middlesbrough. As well as the Leeds Half Marathon, Derbion Ramathon, Coventry Half Marathon, Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon, Sheffield Half Marathon, Yorkshire Marathon and Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, in partnership with Clarion.