Record number tackle road race despite sweltering heat

Around 6,000 people ran the 13.1 miles from Don Valley Stadium to Hunters Bar and back on Sunday, while more than 500 children and families also joined the 3km Sheffield Great Fun Run.

John Franklin, originally from Sheffield but who now lives in London, was the first to cross the finish line in the main race, with a time of 70 minutes 31 seconds.

The 26-year-old said: “I’m so pleased to have won. I was born and raised in Sheffield and used to train a lot at Don Valley Stadium, so it means a lot.

“I said to my friends and family beforehand that if I could achieve a podium finish I’d be thrilled so to go that one step further and come first, especially in my home city, is fantastic.”

Hallamshire Harriers’ Nicola Squires, also 26, took the top spot in the ladies race with a time of 81 minutes 22 seconds.

She said: “I’m really excited to have won this year, especially after coming second for the last two years. It feels fantastic.

“The great thing about competing in Sheffield is that there is an amazing local crowd that takes you round the whole route.”

Organisers announced earlier this year that the entry limit for the half marathon was to be lifted to 6,000, by making slight alterations to parts of the route. Margaret Lilley, chairman of the Sheffield Half Marathon organising committee, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of this year’s half marathon and fun run.

“The take-up and attendance made it the most popular and biggest event that we have had so far.

“It was fantastic to see so many supporters cheering on their friends and loved ones and we want to thank every single person who was involved in making it another memorable year.”

She added: “We are looking forward to totting up the total raised for our ten nominated charities and hope that they will benefit from what could be our biggest donation yet.”

Charities to benefit from the race include the British Heart Foundation, St Luke’s Hospice, the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre South Yorkshire, Sheffield Wildlife Trust, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and the Children’s Hospital Charity.

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