The Sheffield Half marathon will be taking place this Sunday, as people from all over South Yorkshire come together to run the tricky 13 mile course starting and finishing at Arundel Gate.
The event is set to see over 6,000 people running to raise money for a wide range of charities.
Olivia Hester, a representative of the not-for-profit organisation Run For All, said of Sheffield Half marathon: “I think it’s a great event for the community; it brings together runners, spectators, and volunteers.”
Run for all was set up in 2007 by cancer patient Jane Tomlinson. She fought her disease through sports and completed many sporting challenges, ranging from cycling across the USA to running marathons, all whilst going through chemotherapy.
Before Jane’s passing, she set up the Leeds 10k with her husband to give people a platform to raise money through running and now Run For All has transformed into a large charity events organiser.
Miss Hester said: “We invite all different types of runner ability to come and join in. It’s not about time, it’s about taking part.
“It’ll be another great day for the city.”
One person running is Jake Richards, Labour candidate for Rother Valley and avid runner before the COVID pandemic.
He said: “It’s very important to the community. There’s lots of charities in the area and what comes across most is there’s still community spirit to work with them.
“The community always rallies round for these charities.”
Mr Richards decided to pick up running again to support Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in North Anston, which has a daily running cost of £14000.
He said: “Everyone’s got a story about Bluebell Wood in the area.
“They offer the most incredible service to the people who need it the most.”
Mr Richards has currently raised £831 of his £1000 goal, and despite a small injury endured during the recent bout of snow, he said: “I’ll get around even if I have to hobble.”
Ian Straw, Sports Health & Wellbeing Manager at Serco, HMP Doncaster, is running for Children Heard and Seen, a charity which helps the children of imprisoned men and women.
He said: “It’s going to be a great event, with a great atmosphere.
“I could recommend it to anyone.”
Mr Straw, who helps organise charity events at HMP Doncaster, hopes to raise £2000 in what is his 4th half marathon.
Entries are open to anyone over 17, the run starts at 9:30 am this Sunday at Arundel Gate.
To donate to Bluebell Wood: Jake Richards is fundraising for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice (justgiving.com)
To donate to Children Heard and Seen: Ian Straw is fundraising for Children Heard and Seen (justgiving.com)