Charities were handed a massive boost today as thousands of runners turned out to make the second Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon-Sheffield a fantastic success.
It may have been a hill of a challenge but the entrants did themselves proud as they tackled the testing course to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local good causes.
The field of thousands set off from Arundel Gate to follow a scenic route that took them out of the city centre and out into the hills above Sheffield with their super views of the Peak District. Then it was downhill to the city centre finish where large crowds were waiting to cheer the runners home.
First across the finish line was John Franklin in a time of 70mins 24secs. Dave Archer took second place in 70mins 50secs with Robert Ton third in 71mins 16secs.
Zanthe Wray was the first woman home in 83mins 12secs followed by Jenny Evans who clocked 85mins 42secs for second spot and Kate Hastings took third in 86mins 49secs.
The runners were joined by some familiar faces including former World Cup referee Howard Webb, Look North presenter Nicola Rees and rugby stars Barrie McDermott and Keith Senior. First famous face home was Nicola Rees.
The race also featured a triple challenge giving entrants a chance to be crowned “King or Queen of the Hill” in a timed hill climb, triumph in a largely downhill 10K challenge section and cross the finish line first to lift the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon-Sheffield title.
King of the Hill was Terence Forrest who completed the mile-long climb on Ringinglow Road in 6mins 05secs. Queen of the Hill was Zanthe Wray who took 7 mins 21 secs to complete the climb. Fastest male in the 10K challenge was John Franklin who clocked 31mins 38secs with the fastest female Zanthe Wray taking 37 mins 22 secs.
Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Talib Hussain said: “It was really inspiring to see so many runners taking to the streets of Sheffield, with thousands of people raising money for some excellent causes.
“Congratulations to everyone who took part and enormous thanks must also go to the many volunteers who gave up their time to help make the event such a success. We hope everyone has had a fantastic day and that you’ll join us again next year.”
Andy Baker, CEO of home phone, TV and broadband provider Plusnet, the half marathon’s title sponsors, said “The Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon was a huge success and raised a fantastic amount for some very worthy causes. Sheffield showed true community spirit, turning out in force to support the runners. You did us proud!”
The event was staged in partnership with Sheffield City Council by Run For All, part of the legacy of the late inspirational Jane Tomlinson CBE.
Run For All Event Director Charlie Tatman said: “A huge well done to everyone who took part today – we hope it was a day to remember. Thank you to everyone who has helped make today such a success, especially the volunteers who are the lifeblood of our events. See you next year!”
On a day when the spectators generated a superb atmosphere, some of the biggest cheers were reserved for the hundreds of youngsters who took part in the event’s free Arena Group mini and junior runs.
Adrian Fitzpatrick, Arena Group managing director, said: “It was excellent to see so many children taking part in the mini and junior runs which we were delighted to sponsor. They all did themselves proud.”
Official charity of the Arena Group Mini and Junior event was Asperger’s Children and Carers Together (ACCT).
The Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon’s official partner charities were Sheffield-based youth housing charity Roundabout; Myaware – the new name for the Myasthenia Gravis Association, which supports sufferers of this muscle weakening condition; Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice; Macmillan Cancer Care; The Children’s Hospital Charity; Sheffield Hospitals Charity; CLIC Sargent; St Luke’s Hospice, Breast Cancer Care and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.
The Yorkshire Half Marathon-Sheffield’s supporters are Plusnet, Asda Foundation, Sheffield City Council, Radio Sheffield, The Star, iPro Sport, Aftershokz, BananaKick and Viisana.
For a full list of 2016’s results, click
here
Photos by Simon Dewhurst
