Only 200 spaces left for Rotherham’s first 10K run in over three weeks

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

The run, which will raise money for Age UK Rotherham, will start in Clifton Park at 11.15am.

Currently, 403 runners have signed up to the challenge and Ray said organisers were now capping the number of entries to 600 in total – and the deadline to enter is Sunday, April 29.

Children and families are also being encouraged to join the one-mile fun run, which will begin at 10.30am.

Ray (76) said he was on a mission to get schools involved in 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.”

The main 10K event will start in the park and take in a route down Clfton Lane, Wharncliffe Street, Drummond St towards Tesco, left onto Effingham Square and through Frederick Street, before heading on to Corporation Street, Westgate, Centenary Way and Canklow Recreation Ground and returning to Westgate.

Runners will pass Rotherham Minster and Herringthorpe Playing fields as they head back to Clifton Park for the last 400m, where there will be a barbecue, bar and stalls.

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. 

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

Ray, who is a 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.

For more information and to enter visit www.rotherham10k.co.uk.