Round Rotherham run is still going strong at 40

TOP THREE; Round Rotherham first male Rory Harris (centre) with runner-up Kevin Hoult (left) and Lawrence Eccles.

A total of 195 starters, nearly a quarter up on last year’s figure, took to the start line at Manvers Waterfront Boat Club on Saturday morning, with some of the slower walks starting in the wee small hours.

The 50-mile route circumnavigated the borough, taking in checkpoints including Grange, Treeton, Harthill, Woodsetts, Firbeck, Maltby and Hooton Roberts before the finish back at Manvers.

Two familiar names were the first and second home as last year’s runner-up, Rory Harris, clocked 6hrs 52 mins 14 secs to beat 2022 winner Kevin Hoult of Calder Valley Fell Runners, who crossed the line a distance back in 7hrs 30mins 53secs.

FLAT OUT: Craige ~Spencer after the Round Rotherham run.

Harris, unattached, thus reclaimed the crown he won in 2021 having finished second to Hoult by seven seconds last year.

Third-placed runner was Lawrence Eccles of Penny Lane Striders in 7:56.28.

First female was Lisa Walbridge of 100 Marathon Club in 8:38.41 while the highest-placed local competitor was Neil White of Rotherham Running Club in 9:29.14.

Worksop Harriers’ mixed team beat their open/male team to the Relay title while Kimberworth Striders were the Female winners.

FASTEST WOMEN: female winner Lisa Walbrioge (centre) with runner-up Clare Glazebrook and Sarah Challan. Pictures by PETER DAVIES

The awards for fastest Rotherham Harriers went to Lee Carratt (10:46.20) and Nils Hofmann (10:46.27).

With it being the 40th event, Pat Rowbotham, wife of the late Ralph Rowbotham, who founded it, helped out, serving food at the first checkpoint with June Harney, wife of Brian Harney from the organising committee. Ralph’s son, Stephen, also took part, finishing just outside the top 20. Plaques for ten and 20-year Round Rotherham completions went to Jayne Glynn (tenth) and to Julian Brown of Macclesfield Harriers (20th).

“The day went very well,” said race secretary Sharon Burton. “People did suffer because of the heat but conditions underfoot were good, if a little bit softer, and the atmosphere back at the race centre was amazing.”

He gave special thanks to everyone who helps make the Round Rotherham a success, including checkpoint volunteers and Sharon and fellow organisers Brian, Kevin and Henry.

​Round Rotherham run is still going strong at 40

Round Rotherham run is still going strong at 40