This year the Sheffield half marathon event was taken over by Plusnet's Run Yorkshire run for all team. Last years event was cancelled at last minute due to there not being enough water on the route. This year was far from that; plenty of water and a very well organised event.
The Route
The idea of 'the triple test' worked fantastically, could you be king of the mountains? Could you run the fastest 10K? Or could you win the overall race?
Well, for the King of the Mountains test they could not have picked a better route. The first 4 miles take you up steady and steep hills, and that's before you start your King of the Mountains trial. After you've climbed what feels like the steepest hill ever you cross the start line for you timed hill trial. I couldn't actually believe that there could be any more hills. When you reach the top of the timed hill trial you hit a steady flat run for about 1.5 miles. However, this steady flat was not easy due to mother nature, horrendous winds made this section at the highest point of the run very difficult. Something to remember after a truly awful climb, 'what goes up, must come down'. At 7.5 miles you start to feel the benefit of that climb when you start to decent. A lovely, speedy and easy last few miles to end the race.
The Atmosphere
A massive thank you to everyone who came out to support the runners, the people of Sheffield you did yourselves proud! Crowds out to challenge some of the larger races in the country. The organisers did an awesome job at providing music and entertainment throughout the race. And the charities, as always had some amazing supporters (and cheerleaders) to cheer each and every runner on regardless of which charity they were running for.
All in all, the race was great, a nice challenging course, and a superb atmosphere. I ran this with a group of my mums friends to raise money for The Stroke Association, we raised over £1000 which we were delighted with. The T-shirts and medals were also super pretty which always helps. Fancy a challenging run? Go sign up for next years event on the 10th April 2016. It's not an easy race, but it will be a T-shirt and medal to be proud of!
