More than 1,000 runners hit the streets for the return of the Barnsley 10k on Sunday 30 June.

Organised by our Sport and Physical Activity team, the event proved to be hugely popular with people getting active so they move more, live well and feel better.

The race was won by Scott Hinchcliffe of Barnsley AC, who clocked a time of 32:34, while Eleanor Baker, also representing Barnsley AC, was the fastest female, finishing in 34:58.

Participants of all ages laced up their running shoes to take on the challenge, including 82-year-old Bert Beaumont, who was the oldest runner to finish the race, doing so inside an hour with a time of 58:54.

The Glass Works Square became a sea of blue after the race with finishers wearing their race t-shirt and medals, reflecting on a great morning.

Many people completed the race to raise money totalling thousands of pounds for their chosen charities, many of them local causes. More than £8,000 has been raised for Barnsley Hospice, the charitable partner of the race, so far with donations still coming in.

Matt O'Neill, Executive Director for Growth and Sustainability, said: "The Barnsley 10k was a fabulous event with more than 1,100 runners crossing the finish line on Sunday morning.

"A lot of hard work went into making the event possible so I'd like to thank the staff from the Sport and Physical Activity and Events team, as well as the rest of the staff, partners, sponsors and volunteers who helped create such a successful morning. The event also had a fantastic impact in the town centre with runners, friends and family enjoying our amazing array of restaurants, cafes and hospitality.    

"It was great to see so many people getting physically active, whether it was for competition, fitness, fun, or fundraising. They were supported by strong crowds along the whole route, who no doubt helped spur on many of the participants during some of the trickier and hilly sections.

"Physical activity is good for your physical and mental health while helping you to move more, live well and feel better. We're proud to have been able to provide an opportunity for people to get out and get active in our wonderful town.

"The initial feedback we've received has been incredibly positive and we've already had a lot of questions about next year's event, many from people who have completed their first 10k and caught the running bug, which is fantastic and shows how much the runners enjoyed themselves."

Ella Beale, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Barnsley Hospice, added: “It was an absolute honour to be chosen as the official charitable partner for the much-anticipated return of the Barnsley 10k, and it’s fair to say that the event was a resounding success!

“We were overwhelmed by how much support we received from the local community - whether they were running for the hospice, cheering on from the sidelines or putting a donation into one of our collection buckets. It means the world to us. 

“Thank you to Barnsley Council and everyone who came out to support us on the day for making our 30th anniversary year even more special. Every penny raised helps us to continue providing the outstanding care and support the people of Barnsley deserve.”