Mud, sweat and tears of joy at Sheffield 5k

Those taking part in Obstacle Sheffield braved around 10 different challenges, including a high wall, slack lines and cargo nets, during a 5k run through Ecclesall Woods yesterday. The race was organised by Sheffield Hallam University students as part of a year of ‘innovative and creative’ events to raise money for Age UK Sheffield. Money is still being collected but the event is believed to have raised more than £3000. One of the organisers, Emily Bowers, aged 22, from Nottingham, who is studying an events management course, said: “We are very pleased with the turn out and to see so many people running with smiling faces. “Quite a few people have said that the course was a little bit challenging but everyone seemed to be having fun.” Two tired runners Catherine Oldbury, aged 22, an admin worker, and Tom Davidson, aged 23, a graphic designer, both from Manchester, said they were pleased to reach the finish line. Catherine said: “The slack lines were really difficult. My balance is really bad so I kept falling off! Tom added: “It was a nice run, really scenic. We were glad to finish the race though.”The race follows a similar duathlon race at Hillsborough Park on March 5 and other events include a unique challenge to get as far away from Sheffield as possible in 12 hours without spending any money and Race for Life. Jane Tattersall, senior lecturer and course leader for events management at the university, said: “We chose Age UK Sheffield because of the incredible, and often hidden, work they do for residents and families in Sheffield.“Every year the students use innovative and creative ways to deliver a series of fundraising events which they design and plan from scratch.”