Entry to Rotherham's first 10k race closes this Sunday

If you want to join The Pawson Rotherham 10K next Sunday, May 6, you have until midnight this Sunday (April 29) to submit your entry form.

The run, which will raise money for Age UK Rotherham, will start at 11.15am in Clifton Park, where there will also be a barbecue and bar.

More than 550 people have signed up so far and organisers have capped the entry limit to 700 spaces.

The run is the brainchild of marathon man Ray Matthews (76) and is being supported by the Rotherham 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.

Also helping to organise the event is Rotherham Harriers secretary Steve Gaines.

Steve said: “Rotherham businesses have been hugely supportive of the event.

“Pawson Group has ensured the event happens by generously sponsoring the inaugural event — it would not have been happening without their help.

“Morrisons in Bramley is supplying the water and volunteers to hand that out and collect the empty bottles in All Saints’ Square, where the drinks station is. 

“Barrier manufacturer ZND UK, which has a production facility on Barbot Hall Estate, is supplying barriers for the All Saints’ Square area and the Rotherham Advertiser is supplying medals for all those who complete the fun run. 

“We are very grateful for all their support.”

The first Rotherham runner over the finish line will receive the Rotherham Advertiser Cup, while there will also be a cup for the overall winner.

Before the main event, a one-mile fun run will start at 10.30am, which so far has attracted more than 50 entries.

Schools are being encouraged to enter the fun run and be in with a chance of being crowned the first winners of the Schools’ Run a Mile a Day Challenge Cup.

Ray, who ran 75 marathons in 75 days at the age of 75, said: “Schools can enter as many pupils as they like and the first four pupils from the same school team who cross the line will be the crowned the winners.

“It would be fantastic if parents were to enter the fun run as well as their kids.”

Entry for the fun run closes next Thursday, May 3.

More details about registration, parking and layout in Clifton Park will soon be available at http://www.rotherham10k.co.uk/.

Road closures start on the day at 10am and could be in place until 2pm.

Entry is £14 for the 10K and £4 for the fun run, with UK-registered runners eligible for a £2 discount.