Entries for 10k road race pass 4,000 mark

The 10k road race, on Sunday, October 9, will follow a route from Arundel Gate in Sheffield city centre to Hillsborough and back, finishing close to the Town Hall.

Last month it was announced that the start time of the run had been extended by 30 minutes to 10am in order to allow more people to get into the city centre.

It is expected that more than 60,000 people from across the country will visit Sheffield on the day of the run in order to either take part or cheer on friends and relatives.

Former Olympic middle distance runner and event organiser John Mayock said: “We are expecting up to 10,000 runners from all across the country and extending the start time will allow more people to travel into the city centre on Sunday morning.”

Last year, well-known faces taking part included Brightside MP and former Home Secretary David Blunkett, “Dick and Dom” star Richard McCourt, belly dancer Sophie Mei, World Cup referee Howard Webb and a large number of Emmerdale, EastEnders and Coronation Street stars.

The winner was Australian Craig Mottram who pipped GB 10k European silver medallist Chris Thompson by one second in the men’s elite competition, completing the course in just 28.50 min.

British international Freya Murray won the women’s event for the second time in 33.01, beating 17-year-old star Charlotte Purdue who ran 33.06.

Organisers have chosen Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity as the local cause to benefit from this year’s race.

Mr Mayock added: “Entries are coming in thick and fast, but there’s still time to sign up for the main race and junior runs.”

Entry costs £25 for adults, while youngsters can sign up to the Bupa Junior and Mini Great Yorkshire Run for just £9. For details visit www.greatrun.org.