Nerves and excitement are starting to kick in as thousands of runners make final preparations with just days to go before tackling Sheffield Half Marathon. 

The 13.1 mile run is the biggest event in South Yorkshire, with thousands of participants raising money for hundreds of UK charities, including Disability Snowsport UK and the Be Me Project.

Lucie Harding, 21, from Sydney Road, Sheffield, is running the half marathon for the Be Me Project, a charity which supports young people struggling with their mental health. 

She said: “Knowing that you are doing it for something that is bigger than yourself is definitely encouraging when it gets tough.”

Miss Harding has raised almost £250 for the Be Me Project, and is hoping to reach her target of £300 after completing the race this Sunday.

With each runner having unique reasons to race, the event is motivating and inspiring for the whole city as runners share stories.

Jack Williams, 28, from Granby Road, Buxton, is making final preparations to complete his first ever half marathon. 

“I’m a little nervous,” he said. “I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone else, I just want to complete it. Although I’m not looking forward to the hills.”  

The hilly run features stunning views over the Peak District whilst making the tough climb up Ringinglow Road, where the race reaches its highest elevation of 1,125 feet. 

The route features an elevation gain total of 947 feet, equivalent to walking all the way up to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Jodie Babington, 20, from Springhouse Road, Sheffield is also running her first ever half-marathon.

“I broke my ankle in a nasty car crash last year,” she said. “I felt a bit helpless not being able to do any sport, so I wanted to prove to myself that I can still do hard things.” 

Miss Babington is also raising money for Disability Snowsports UK, alongside friends from the University of Sheffield Snowsports Club. They have already raised over their target of £200. 

The event is expected to cause delay and disruption across Sheffield, with multiple road closures and diversions put into place. You can find out more information about the affected roads here: https://www.runforall.com/media/o3jbfuh0/2025-sheffield-half-marathon-road-closure-poster.pdf