The highly-anticipated Sheffield Half Marathon is set to take place this Sunday (March 23) and is expected to attract thousands of runners and supporters to the city’s streets.
A major event in the UK’s running calendar, it will see participants race 21.3km round the city, passing some of Sheffield’s most iconic landmarks and including views of the Peak District, Endcliffe Park and the Devonshire Quarter.
The race is South Yorkshire’s biggest event of its kind. It will start at 9.30am at Arundel Gate and incorporates what organisers refer to as a ‘triple test’, as entrants partake in the Peaks Challenge in a timed hill climb and a timed 10K downhill sprint, in addition to attempting to finish the challenging 13.1 miles.
The half marathon is not only a sporting event but also a celebration of community spirit and charity. Many runners will raise money for a wide range of local and national charities, with many participants donning costumes and running for personal or team-based goals.
Speaking following their previous participation, runners Ross and Matthew, who raised money for Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “I’ve done a few half marathons before but this felt like a really iconic one, especially getting to start in the city centre but also run out into the Peak District.
“There was brilliant support the whole way round.”
A significant beneficiary of the event is the Jane Tomlinson Appeal. Jane was diagnosed with terminal cancer and defied the odds by completing many endurance challenges – finishing with a 4,200-mile bike ride across the breadth of America in 2006. You can read more about her story here.
Her legacy lives on in the Appeal’s Run For All events, which includes the Sheffield Half Marathon. This charitable and persevering spirit is reflected in the nature of the race today.
Road closures will be in place across the city to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.
Parts of the following roads will be closed at varying times between 4am and 4pm on Sunday: A61 Ring Road, Arundel Gate, Causeway Head Road, Charles Street, Charter Row, Common Lane, Cross Burgess Street, Cross Lane, Dore Road, Ecclesall Road, Ecclesall Road South, Furnival Gate, Hathersage Road, Knowle Lane, Limb Lane, Long Lane, Moore Street, Norfolk Street, Pinstone Street, Ringinglow Road, Rushley Road, Sheephill Road, Surrey Street
Anyone who may be affected should check online for the exact times and locations of closures and any Traffic Regulation Order suspensions. Attendees and Sheffield residents are advised to plan their journeys in advance. Information regarding this can be found here. and on the Run For All website.
