Bright Finance and Fitness Unlimited race to sign up for Sheffield Half Marathon

Sheffield Marathon

AWARD winning companies Bright Finance and Sheffield International Venues have joined the race to make this year’s Sheffield Half Marathon the biggest and best yet.

Last year’s race sponsor Bright Finance has signed up for a second year together with associate sponsor Sheffield International Venues, fitness scheme Fitness Unlimited who back the event for the third time.

Having both picked up awards in their own industry SIV and Bright Finance have set their sights on winning over runners to attract a record number of participants and a bumper charity donation for the chosen good causes.

They launched the race at the award winning Hillsborough Leisure Centre.

"watching thousands of runners cross the starting line was something I will never forget."

Organisers of the revitalised road race, which last year attracted 4,373 entries and raised £34K for Help a Hallam Child, are hoping to significantly increase the numbers taking part in the big day which falls on Sunday May 20, 2007.

And this year, for the first time, it will also raise funds for seven different local charities which will be unveiled at a later date as the lucky race beneficiaries.

Paul Hancock, chairman of Bright Finance, who ran the race with a team of company directors in just over two hours, said: “This year’s Half Marathon and Fun Run was a resounding success. Not only did we get record entry figures but it was a really enjoyable day, with lots of people achieving their own personal goals.

“The scenes inside Don Valley Stadium were just fantastic, watching thousands of runners cross the starting line was something I will never forget.

“It was a real team effort and we were extremely proud to be part of that. For 2007 we want to take the race a step further and boost numbers and the charitable contribution to the local charities.”

Last year’s race, the 25th Sheffield Half Marathon, was the biggest and fastest ever with promising GB star Tomas Abyu breaking the event record by half a minute to clock up a time of 64 minutes and five seconds.

The Sheffield’s Great Fun Run, which took place on the same day, also registered massive figures with 680 people entering the 3k run, all helping to raise thousands of pounds for Help a Hallam Child.

Steve Brailey, chief executive of Sheffield International Venues, said: “The race is traditionally a huge participation event and one of the highlights of Sheffield’s sporting calendar. Completing a half marathon is a great achievement for anybody, but people need to start training with us now to be in shape for race day.

“We are really pleased to officially support the race for a third year and are looking forward to working with Bright Finance, the organising committee and the charities to make the event a success.” added Steve. “Last year’s figures were fantastic but for 2007 we want to attract even more runners. It’s easy to enter online and you can sign up now.”

Margaret Lilley, chairman of the half marathon organising committee, said: “Races like this not only attract elite athletes from around the region and further afield but also thousands of recreational runners who may be competing over the distance for the first time.”

Gary Clifton, head of Sheffield City Council’s Major Sports Events Unit, added: “The half marathon is always a true citywide occasion and so we’re looking to get as many people as possible involved with the day.”

The half marathon route for 2007 will be similar to last year’s race. Runners start at Don Valley Stadium and run through the city centre past Ponds Forge before making their turn for home on Ecclesall Road (near Hunters Bar) and heading back to Don Valley Stadium. The fun run also takes place on the day and is 3kms.

Entries for the half marathon are now being taken. Call 0114 230 8429 for an entry form or enter direct at www.sheffieldmarathon.com or www.runnersworld.co.uk

Posted: 25th January 2007