Time to take to the streets, says marathon man Ray

The 10K run is the brainchild of multi-marathon man Ray Matthews — and the number 75 is becoming quite significant for the Maltby pensioner.

Ray raised more than £35,000 for Newman School by completing 75 marathons in 75 days in celebration of his 75th birthday.

But now he’s a year older he’s set his sights on uniting the town with the 10K run on Sunday, May 6, which has been sponsored by Pawson Group and will raise money for Age UK Rotherham.

Ray said: “This is a race for everyone and we are making history – it’s the first ever Rotherham town centre race, so come and be part of something that’s going to be special.”

More than 100 people took part in last year’s Age UK Rotherham 5K Run in Clifton Park, but organisers — including the Advertiser as part of its Fighting Fit campaign which aims to reduce obesity rates, bring in funding for sports clubs and increase participation in exercise — have been working hard to ensure that this year’s race will be bigger and better.

The 10K Run will start in Clifton Park at 11.15am and will take runners into Rotherham town centre and out towards Centenary Way/Canklow then back towards Doncaster Gate, weaving past Rotherham Minster and through All Saints’ Square, Doncaster Gate, Clifton Lane, Broom Road and Herringthorpe Stadium before finishing at Clifton Park.

A 1K fun run will also be held at 10.30am in the park.

Inspired by the positive early response, Ray said he was hoping up to 1,000 runners would take part.

Ray, who is now an Age UK Rotherham ambassador, said he hoped the Pawson Rotherham 10K Run would become an annual event and grow into a full or half-marathon in the future.

Entry to the 10K costs £14 and Fun Run entry costs £4 and UK-registered runners will receive a £2 discount. Visit www.rotherham10k.co.uk to sign up.