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Road closures warning over festive 10k run

Simon ThakeYorkshire
Oli Constable/BBC A large group of runners in a variety of brightly colored vests, sports tops and leggings huddle together at the start line.Oli Constable/BBC
The annual festive run takes place every December in the Loxley Valley

Drivers have been warned of temporary road closures in part of Sheffield on Sunday as the annual Percy Pud 10K race is held.

The race, in the Loxley Valley area, will see participants set off from Loxley Road before heading along the length of Damflask Reservoir to The Bradfield Plough pub and then turning around and running all the way back again.

According to Sheffield Council, temporary traffic restrictions will apply from 09:00 GMT until 11:30 GMT on Sunday, and will include stretches of Loxley Road and New Road.

No vehicles will be permitted to proceed, wait, load or unload along the affected stretches, with exemptions only applying to event and emergency vehicles, the council said.

The event, which is organised by local running club the Steel City Striders, has grown in popularity over the years - from the first race in 1993 when 600 competitors finished, to this year when entries were limited to 3,500 places.

'Good to go'

Traditionally, each finisher receives a Christmas pudding for their efforts as well as a festive beanie hat. Food and seasonal music are also provided after the race.

Two years ago, the race's 30th anniversary event had to be cancelled after two consecutive weekends of extreme weather.

Although the forecast for Sunday morning is for rain and low temperatures, race organiser Richard Dunk said his team was "prepared".

"It will be chilly, for sure, but we've cleared the gulleys of leaves and put down sand where we need to. We're good to go," he explained.

The traffic order would not prevent pedestrian access to properties on or near the restricted roads, a Sheffield Council spokesperson said.

Oliver Wright/BBC A group of runners stretching out along a road into the distance. They are mostly dressed in warm clothing on what appears to be a cold Winter dayOliver Wright/BBC
The route takes runners along the Loxley Road before heading alongside the Damflask Reservoir

The full list of road closures from 09:00 GMT to 11:00 GMT on Sunday 7 December includes:

  • Loxley Road, closed from the junction with Rodney Hill to the junction with New Road
  • New Road, closed in its entirety up to The Bradfield Plough Pub at the junction with Mill Lee Road
  • Long Lane
  • Rowell Lane
  • West Lane
  • Back Lane
  • Hanson Road
  • Briars House Lane
  • Oaks Lane
  • Mill Lee Lane

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