300 runners sign up to Rotherham's first-ever 10K and there's still time to join

The Pawson Rotherham 10K run on Sunday, May 6, is the brainchild of marathon man Ray Matthews for Age UK Rotherham.

Organisers have also announced a revised route, a corporate challenge scheme and the chance to buy branded T-shirts.

Race director Steve Gaines said he was very pleased with the response and is hoping for at least 500 more people to sign up for the run, which starts in Clifton Park.

Steve, who is also secretary of Rotherham Harriers, said: “We did a 5k last year in the park which had 150 people take part, so we’ve already got a lot more signed up, which is great.”

The run is being supported by 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. 

Steve said the route had been slightly modified to address safety and traffic management concerns on Centenary Way, and to also allow residents in Canklow and the areas around Middle Lane South to have access to their roads.

He said: “Instead of running down Centenary Way in the road, we will now run along the footpath, turning left on the path to cross through Canklow Recreation Ground and out into Canklow Road to return to Westgate.

“Because that’s shorter we’ve added some distance via the streets between Herringthorpe Playing Fields and Clifton Park.”

The 10K will start at 11.15am and a one-mile fun run around the park will begin at 10.30am.

There will also be a barbecue and bar in the park.

Entry to both runs closes on Sunday, April 29, and all ages and abilities are welcome.

Businesses and organisations are also being encouraged to sign up and be in with a chance of being crowned the fastest team.

“We will be incorporating a corporate challenge team award into the 10K event, so that companies or organisations can enter a team,” said Steve.

“Companies can enter as many runners as they like as individuals and then email through to us all the names of their team members.

“The results system will then identify their first four finishers and the fastest will be crowned the corporate challenge winners.”

Branded T-shirts are also now available to buy via www.rotherham10k.co.uk, where people can find out how to enter.

Entry to the 10K is £14 and Fun Run £4, and UK-registered runners receive a £2 discount.

Ray (76), who is now an Age UK Rotherham ambassador, said he hoped the run would become an annual event and develop into a half or full marathon course in the future.