RUNNING: Numbers and finishers up in sun-kissed Rotherham 10K

Dronfield Running Club's Tom Shaw was the first male back while Rotherham Harriers' Natasha Hatswell was the first lady.

A total of 472 runners went to the start line in Clifton Park. That figure was higher than last year and so was the number of finishers (419).

The 10am start time meant the temperatures weren't too high early on but many runners reported that it had warmed up significantly for the second half of the race.

The course has a challenging second half, with the 5km to 7km section presenting a significant height gain from the town centre to the top of Broom Road.

Shaw (32.59) had a comfortable winning margin over second-placed Gareth Sampson (33.55) from Rotherham Harriers.

Third place went to Shaw's Dronfield clubmate, Stuart Carrack (36:05).

In the ladies race Natasha Hatswell made her debut in the event and, with a winning time of 38.35, she was more than two minutes ahead of second-placed Claire Biercamp (40:41) from Sheffield Tri Club.

Kimberworth Striders' Olivia Taylor was third in 44.55.

Other Rotherham Harriers award winners were George Ellis (U20 male, 39.36) and Harper Tompkin (U20 female, 49.56).

The race is run over closed roads and organisers were grateful for the patience shown by the residents and businesses affected.

Runners publically thanked the support from the race marshals and public.

Particular thanks went to Rotherham Radio for their live broadcast and promotion of the event, to Sitwell Cycling Club for leading the race around the course and to all the local club members and volunteers who made the day possible.

More coverage in this week's Advertiser, plus a full gallery of images at https://rotherhamadvertiser.zenfolio.com/p722993102

Full results can be found at www.Rotherham10K.com