Fergus Flies At Sheffield

10 MAY2011

Leeds City AC runner Fergus Meade, 28 won the 30th renewal of the SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon then thanked the crowds that had supported him along the route. Fergus crossed the finish line in Don Valley Stadium in 1:11:32. Mark Rushbrook took second place in 1:12:30, with Andrew Challenger (1:14:26) from Hallamshire Harriers in third. In the ladies race, there was a much tighter finish with Nicola Clay taking pole position in 1:21:26, followed by Nicola Squires (1:22:00) and Nicki Nealon (1:22:22).

Fergus Meade, originally from Ireland now living in Allington Bywater in West Yorkshire, said: "We were really up against it in very windy conditions, which everyone found challenging, so I was thrilled to have won. The Sheffield Half Marathon really does stand out from the other city road races because of the support from the crowd throughout the course. I'd like to say a big thank you to the people who came out on Sunday as they really helped me win the 2011 race, which means such a lot."

Second place woman Nicola Squires was also a counter in Hallamshire Harriers' winning female team, helping her club to a female and male team double. Nicola, from Sheffield, said: "This is the second time I have achieved the silver medal, which I am absolutely delighted with especially because I was in third place for half of the way. The Sheffield Half Marathon is a fantastic and well organised race with a special touch of having a stadium finish to spur you on during the final stretch."

Entries for the 30th SIG Insulations Sheffield Half Marathon reached their limit of 5,500, 11 weeks ahead of race day. Fun Run entries also reached an all time high with 685 competing in the 3k race, including children of all ages, parents pushing buggies and some colourful fancy dress costumes.

The fun run also included war veteran Eric Cooper, 86, who was running for one of the marathon's chosen charities, the Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind. Eric, from Crookes, said: "I really enjoy the fun run and it's great meeting all the people - it's such a happy atmosphere running for many good causes across the city. I have been raising money for the SRSB for around 25 years - they're lovely people I work with at the charity and it was a pleasure running with them on Sunday."

The course saw competitors run through Attercliffe towards Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, before heading along Bramall Lane, London Road and on to Ecclesall Road, where spectators lined the streets. The field then turned back towards Don Valley Stadium via the city centre, Brightside Lane and Attercliffe Common.

A full list of results and times is available at northernrunning guide.com's race listing.

Lots of great photos from the race from the Acclerate team on their Facebook page.