We asked our staff for some of their top training and race day tips, shoe and kit recommendations, and fuel and hydration advice, specifically for the Round Sheffield Run. Check out their suggestions below.
The Round Sheffield Run is split into 11 timed stages, which add up to a total distance of 20km over the 24.5km route, with a 600m of total vertical elevation.
The length of each stage differs from the shortest at 0.4km to the longest at 2.9km, with runners receiving results for each stage as well as a combined overall results at the end.
In between each stage, runners can walk/ jog to take a break, before setting off on the next stage, making it a fun alternative to a non-stop half marathon race.
Now in its 10th year, the event has proved to be incredibly popular, this could be down to the unusual format, stunning route around Sheffield or the festival atmosphere at the event village, or all of the above!
Tessa – My advice would be to get a bit of hill practice in if you can. There are some good climbs on the route, which you can either run or walk, but it will feel a bit easier if you have built up some strength in your legs.
Matt – Include some long intervals at 5km pace with long recoveries in your training plan, to prepare your body for the staged format. Also get out on the trails to practise running on the terrain.
Tessa – As the race is a mix of trail and paths, you could get away with road shoes, in which case I would go for Brooks Ghosts as they are light, breathable and bouncy! Or if I was going for a trail shoe, I would run in the Altra Experience Wild, they have just the right amount of cushioning and grip, plus the spacious toe box for my wide feet.
Matt – Hopefully it’ll be nice and sunny so the ground will be firm. If it is, some people will probably go for a road shoe. I’d always go for a trail/hybrid shoe, just for a bit more confidence and fun on the trail sections, especially down hill.
I find the Hoka Mafate really good on mixed terrain and I have worn them for Winter and Summer RSR. Another option for a hybrid shoe could be the New balance Hierro or Adidas Agravic 3.
Tessa – Last year the weekend of the race was an absolute scorcher, so I would highly recommend making sure you have a cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Check the forecast before you set off.
Matt – Like Tessa says, cap, sunscreen and sunglasses if it’s like it was in 2023.
Mainly wear something you know you’re comfortable in and won’t chafe. I normally take some Gurney Goo just in case I start to feel chafing.
Tessa – There are two aid stations on the route, one at the top of Porter Clough and one at Graves Park, where they give out jelly babies and water, so I don’t tend to carry too much fuel or water myself. I might keep a sneaky gel in my short pockets just in case though.
Matt – I take a gel or 2 in my Flipbelt and use the water provided on route at the 2 feed stations. If it is warm and you’ll be out on the course for a while, it might be worth taking your own water. The Instinct 3L bag would be great as there isn’t much coverage on the back but can still carry water, gels, phone etc on the front.
Tessa – Get there early to give yourself time to drop your bag off, collect your bib and dibber and use the toilets. Most importantly enjoy yourself and make new friends! The staged format and the festival-like set up in the event village make it really easy to get chatting to other runners and to share the experience with mates.
Matt – Treat it as a long interval session. Do the running bits at 5k race feel and take as much time as you can in the rest section.
On the hilly bits, sometimes it’s quicker to power walk up them rather than run. You could have more energy left at the top if you do this.
Then enjoy time in the park afterwards with the pizza, burgers and drinks that’ll be there, along with the DJ and live music.
