Charities set for fillip from half marathon

The charities, including Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and the Sheffield Wildlife Trust, are receiving extra support from the SIG Insulation Sheffield Half Marathon, which is taking place on April 6 2014 at Don Valley Bowl.

Other good causes set to benefit for 2014 include: Myasthenia Gravis Association, St Luke’s Hospice, Breast Cancer Care, Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre South Yorkshire, Support Dogs, the Children’s Hospital Charity, SAFE@LAST and the Sheffield Academy of Young Leaders (SAYLS).

More than £1.3m has already been raised in the race’s 31-year history for various causes, with the 2013 total due to be unveiled next month.

Mark Smith, Director of Operations and Strategy at SAFE@LAST, a charity that works with young people at risk of running away from home, said: “The support from the Sheffield Half Marathon is an incredible help for us and it’s a great event to be involved in. Last year, we had 36 runners, including several staff members who took part. It’s a great way to raise funds for the cause but to also raise the profile of our charity. We couldn’t thank the race organisers enough for supporting us and we’re very excited for the 2014 race!”

Margaret Lilley, chair of the organising committee said: “Raising the profile of all our charities has helped them raise funds and awareness, and for smaller charities, our donation can go a significant way to providing services as well as paying overheads and operational costs.”

Entry fees for both races have been frozen at £26 for the half marathon (attached runners £24) and £5 for the fun run. For more information and to secure a place to run on behalf of the chosen charities, call 0845 388 3438, or visit www.sheffieldmarathon.com to enter online.