APPLAUSE and cheers filled the air as more than 6,000 runners took to the streets of Sheffield for the Great Yorkshire Run, raising thousands of pounds for charity.
Crowds of supporters lined the 10 kilometre route between the city centre and Hillsborough to spur on those taking part, who ranged from ultra-serious runners to the most unlikely athletes.
Their applause was also accompanied by music from a Robbie Williams impersonator and numerous bands.
Before the start, streets normally deserted early on Sunday morning were filled with throngs of people warming up to pounding music – then a vast crocodile of runners began making their way around the course.
Virtually everyone finished and, although medical staff were on standby, there were no reports of anyone being taken ill or injured.
However, Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell, running with daughter Carly in support of charity Help A Hallam Child, took a drenching from rival Wednesday fans while running beneath Hillsborough stadium.
The Blades manager, who also gave starters orders, before joining the run, said: "It ended up being a bit of a water fight and I got soaked – but it was all good fun.
"It was a terrific atmosphere."
Blackwell was inspired to take part after his daughter entered a previous event. He and his daughter, who finished in one hour and nine minutes, hope to raise several thousand pounds of sponsorship.
Many of those raising funds for charity had their own personal motivation.
Louise Dale-Hughes, aged 40, from Ecclesall, started running two years ago in memory of her sister-in-law Sue Crookes, who died of jaw cancer aged 50.
She started with the Race For Life, then has worked her way up to more challenging competitions, with husband Alan, 46. Next year, Louise plans to enter the London Marathon for the first time.
Mum-of-two Louise, who ran with a photograph of Sue on her back, was supporting Macmillan. She said: "I started running in her memory and every time I finish I get all emotional."
Richard Clarke, 29, of Crookes, was also supporting the charity in memory of relatives and a neighbour who died of the illness.
"I've enjoyed the experience and it's helped raise money for a good cause."
Others in the race were just running for the challenge itself. Members of running clubs had come from as far afield as South Wales and Kent.
More unusual participants included blind brothers Kyle and Kurtis Crossland, from Castlebeck, who were supporting Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind.
Kyle, 22, is a volunteer for SRSB and 17-year-old Kurtis is a student at Norton College. They were raising money for new resources at the charity's Mappin Street centre, which is currently being revamped.
Tracy Effard, of event organisers Nova International, said: "The race has been fantastic and the weather's held out for us. A great deal has been raised for charity – Marie Curie, for example, had 600 runners supporting them."
n Runners can visit www.greatrun.org to view their results and to register for reminders about the 2009 event.
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