Organisers hope “amazing” Rotherham 10k will become annual event

The Pawson Rotherham 10k in aid of Age UK Rotherham was organised by multi-marathon man Ray Matthews and Rotherham Harriers secretary Steve Gaines (pictured below with Advertiser deputy news editor Adele Forrest), who hope it will become an annual event.

As temperatures reached around 27 deg C, 700 entrants in the first Pawson Rotherham 10k pounded the streets.

Conditions were tougher for running than expected as the country basked in record-breaking bank holiday temperatures.

But that didn’t stop determined athletes from lacing up their trainers and getting round the course, along with 200 fun runners who completed a one-mile lap of Clifton Park and picked up medals sponsored by the Rotherham Advertiser.

The event was 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.

Among the main race runners were borough council cabinet member Cllr Emma Hoddinott, who completed her first 10k, and veteran green-wigged Sheffield fundraiser John Burkhill, known as the Man with the Pram.

Ray, who ran 75 marathons in 75 days at the age of 75, was at the finish line to congratulate runners and hand out much-needed water. 

He said: “It was an amazing day. The level of support and positive comments we’ve had are brilliant.

“What’s really heart-warming is that Rotherham people came together. They were coming out and handing out sweets and all sorts. That’s the involvement we’re looking to get in the borough.

“We are also getting five-star ratings from athletes who know what good events are.”

Click here for the Rotherham 10k picture gallery.

Ray said the “carnival atmosphere” at the start and finish line in Clifton Park meant runners were “buzzing” to get started.

The total raised for Age UK Rotherham was still being calculated this week, but Steve said it would be in four figures.

For more on this story, plus the list of top 100 finishers see tomorrow’s Advertiser.

Click here for the one-mile fun run picture gallery.