War Of The Roses On Sheffield's Streets

5 AUG2010

With up to 10,000 runners expected to invade Sheffield's streets on September 5 for the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run, entrants are being asked to pledge allegiance to either Yorkshire or Lancashire in a battle of the roses.

Each county will be captained by famous residents of the two counties, with Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard in Emmerdale wearing the white rose of the Yorkists and Conor Ryan, better known as Len Windass in Coronation Street, sporting the red rose of the Lancastrians.

England and Leeds Carnegie Rugby star and "adopted Yorkshireman", Hendre Fourie will also join the Yorkshire team to represent Alzheimer's Society. Chris and Conor, who have taken part in the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run before, will both be running to raise funds for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

Says, Chris: "Having worked for many years in Yorkshire, I know how important it is for us to beat those Lancastrians and I am confident the troops will rise to the challenge!"

However there is just as much confidence from the House of Lancaster. Conor, said: "Our army may be slightly smaller as the event is in Sheffield, but we will be full of Lancastrian grit. I'll be wearing my red rose with pride."

Average running times of sub 70 min competitors from each county will be calculated at the end of the race to see which county has the fastest 10K runners, with a trophy awarded to the winning team's captain.

Every entrant will be sent printed red and white roses, for them to decide which one, if any, they would like to wear on the day. The organisers will collect the information and make the announcement almost immediately after the 70 minute mark is passed on the day.

The Bupa Great Yorkshire Run will start on Arundel Gate, before heading along Penistone Road to Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium, before returning to the city centre.

Entries will be closing soon for this popular event, so runners are urged to register now online.