Thousands of extra feet will pound the streets for charity cash after Sheffield Half Marathon organisers announced that the entry limit has been lifted, with 7,000 runners now expected to take part this year.
The 13.1 mile race has increased in popularity over the years, filling to its previous 5,500 capacity almost three months ahead of race day numerous times.
Now, thanks to the support of Sheffield City Council, the race committee has lifted the entry limit by making slight changes to parts of the route. It will now see runners go round St Mary’s Gate roundabout, having previously been directed through the underpass. On the way back, runners will also avoid the underpass on the Moore Street roundabout and the car park on Arundel Gate.
The change will further highlight the race as a premier event in the UK’s running calendar and organisers eventually hope to see entries increase to 10,000 in coming years, raising more money for the benefitting local causes.
The Half Marathon organising committee has worked closely with Sheffield City Council on the changes. Additional road closures and diversions will be put in place and more details about these will be available in the run up to the event, which is taking place the weekend before the Spring Bank Holiday.
Consultations with major businesses and organisations located on the course route have taken place with the race’s organising committee and Sheffield City Council.
Margaret Lilley, chair of the Sheffield Half Marathon organising committee, said: “The nature of the current route meant we had to cap entries at 5,500 but we have seen, particularly in the last few years, that entries have surged and the race has always filled to capacity way in advance as interest grows.
“This is therefore great news for the race and the city of Sheffield as a whole. Not only will it increase the number of participants coming into the city, but it will also be of major benefit to our nominated charities by the higher amount of sponsorship raised.”
Councillor Helen Mirfin-Boukouris, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Growth, said: “Sport in Sheffield isn’t just about the elite Olympic and Paralympic teams we have training here, it’s for everyone in the city and I would call on as many people as possible to get their running shoes on and get involved! We work hard to increase participation in sport and activity, and I’m delighted that more people than ever will be able to join the race this year.”
Famous faces taking part in this year’s race include legendary snooker players and former world champions Steve Davis, Peter Ebdon and Shaun Murphy, who are raising money for the Paul Hunter Foundation – a charity set up in memory of Paul Hunter, who died of leukaemia in 2006.
The SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon and 3k Fun Run will take place on Sunday 27 May 2012 at Don Valley Stadium at the new start time of 9:00am.
The official benefiting charities for the 2012 SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon and Fun Run are: British Heart Foundation, Myasthenia Gravis Association, St Luke’s Hospice, Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre South Yorkshire, Sheffield Wildlife Trust, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Sheffield Teenage Cancer Trust, Support Dogs, Breast Cancer Care and the Children’s Hospital Charity.
For more information and to secure a place in the Fun Run visit www.sheffieldmarathon.com.
