The local man who stormed to victory at the 2009 SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon has accepted an invitation to return to his home city in an attempt to regain his title.

Former Hallamshire Harrier Jason Ward (31) won the prestigious race in front thousands of home fans and is now in training for the 2010 event- which promises to be another record-breaker.

Ward, who lives at Waterthorpe but now runs for Altrincham, led the 2009 Half Marathon virtually all the way and completed the race in one hour eight minutes and 2 seconds.

Jason said: “I am delighted to have been asked to return to the Sheffield Half Marathon and I am looking forward to running in front of a home crowd again. I taken part in a number of races for my club since last April, as well as 10k’s for my kit sponsor so have been continually training.

“My aim is to try and improve on my time from last year by about three or four minutes. The other elite runners at the front of the field will make it mentally easier for me to keep focused and not get complacent if I am in a strong position.”

Ian Thomas, entries co-ordinator for the Sheffield Half Marathon, said: “We are delighted that Jason has accepted the invitation to return to the race and try to regain his title in front of a home crowd.

“He is an incredibly focused and committed runner and the fact that he is a local lad means the enthusiasm of the crowds across the city is lifted, which is great for the atmosphere on the day. We look forward to seeing him there on the day.”

Winner of the 2009 women’s race, Rebecca Robinson will also be returning to defend her title. Robinson, from Kendal, finished 20th overall in 74:52 over four minutes clear of her nearest rival Gemma Steel from Charnwood.

The SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon and 3k Fun Run will take place on 25 April 2010 at Sheffield International Venues managed facility Don Valley Stadium from 9:30am.

The 10 chosen charities for this year’s event are Sheffield Teenage Cancer Trust, Motor Neurone Disease Association South Yorkshire, Macmillan Cancer Support, Myasthenia Gravis Association, RSPCA Sheffield, Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre South Yorkshire, Sheffield Wildlife Trust, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

For more information and to secure a place to run on behalf of the chosen charities, call 0114 230 8429, or visit www.sheffieldmarathon.com to enter online.