Forget music – the hills were alive with the sound of runners of all ages and abilities tackling the 13.1 miles of the Asda Foundation Sheffield Half Marathon.
A taxing mile-long climb up Ringinglow Road is a key feature of the event but it proved no match for the thousands of participants who conquered the hill and were rewarded with wonderful views of the Peak District.
The run, which is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds for charity, started in Arundel Gate and followed a course that took the field along Ecclesall Road, Knowle Lane, Ringinglow Road, Sheephill Road, Hathersage Road, Limb Lane and then back down into the city centre for the big finish near the Town Hall on Pinstone Street.
Large crowds in the city centre created a special atmosphere as they cheered the runners to the finish line.
In a field that included close to 7,000 participants, Jamie Hall was first over the line with a time of 1 hours 11mins 16secs. Mohammed Saleh took second place in 1 hour 11mins 37secs with Alexander Lanz in third in 1 hour 12mins 10secs.
Phillipa Williams was the first woman home in 1 hour 17 mins and 25 secs, followed by Lyndsey Eastman who clocked 1 hour 19mins 29secs for second spot and Charlotte Ward who took third in 1 hour 19mins 32secs.
Many of the runners were also competing for the prized Keith Ibbotson Millennium Trophy as they ran with colleagues, family and friends in the Team Challenge. This year was the first time that the trophy had been competed for since 2012 in memory of the late Sheffield City Council servant.
Tristan Batley-Kyle, head of events for Run For All, said: “This was our first half marathon of the 2019 season and the enthusiasm of everyone involved – runners, spectators and eventeers – ensured it was a great success.
“The Sheffield Half Marathon represents a good challenge so congratulations to all the runners; they showed real grit and determination.”
Mandy Hepworth, Asda Foundation Co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted to be able to give our support to such an outstanding event. Well done to all the runners, both for their achievement in completing the course and for supporting an event that helps so many good causes.”
