Race Date: Sunday 29th March 2026

Race Report by Robert Cook

What to say about the Sheffield half? Everyone knows it by now-up the hill for 5 miles then back down again for 7 before a flat final mile or so into town. It’s a tried and tested route that’s not quite as slow as it first appears, but needs a good deal of strength up the hills and back down again, especially on the flatter miles heading back down.

Race day was grey and cool, with a threat of rain coming in and avoiding the fog from last year. There was a headwind though that was very unwelcome heading up to the top of Ringinglow Road. I had hopes of a fast time (close to the 80 minute mark) after the cross country season but struggled to hold a good pace up the hill which took away any chance of a good time. I did manage to hold on well though and closed fast down the final miles to leave myself with a decent overall time, close to my best on this course.

Liam Brennan was the first strider home on the day, pulling out a good time well under the 80 minute barrier. Alex Shepherd was the first female strider back in 1:33. The race was won by Samuel Moakes of Unsanctioned Athletics Club in 1:06:57 after a duel with Hallamshire’s Dan Haworth through most of the race. First female was Claire Frankland of West End Runners in 01:18.55. Strider Karen Clark came 3rd in the F60 category, and Jacqui Herring came close to a category podium with a 4th F50 result.

All photos from Rob Byers: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.2721671904871420&type=3

Including pacers there were at least 106 Striders among 6389 runners who lined up for the Sheffield Half.

Striders Results