There is no through road for vehicles to Checkpoint 3 at Harthill from Kiveton Park for relay team runners and other supporters.
Alternative places for supporters to meet participants are Norwood, at the exit from Rother Valley Park, or Netherthorpe Airfield.  For details see RouteRoundCheckpoints

Route Changes:

#$@ Stage 2 from B18 to B22
We can save 400 m and revert to (essentially) the old route from Europa Way to Catcliffe. Fences have been taken down, and the path is 'officially' open - a signed ROW route through the warehouse complex.

#$@ Stage 5 from E3 towards E6
A farm track from Woodsetts shops leads to a line of trees (hedge).  Traditionally we have taken the field path in front of the hedge/line of trees. The bridge over the stream has gone and has been blocked off .  Instead continue 40 m on the track round the trees (past the 'Private' gate), right on the (signed) Bridle Path (at a concrete block) between a hedge (on the left) and a fence to a bridge, leading to the tracks across fields.   You are then back on route.
The GPS files, strip map and written description have been updated: Check you have the version "Updated 25/09/2023" (or later). 
For the GPS files, something went wrong with the update for the late modification at the start of Stage 5. Some GPS files for the full route and the one for Stage 5 created on 26th Sept were affected. If you downloaded GPS files between the 26th and 29th Sept, check whether there is a newer version.

Stage 8 from H8 to H9
For Recce Runs/outings, on weekdays, I am told the canal towpath is closed for maintenance. If the path is closed, barriered off, follow the signed diversion.  Cross the canal on the sweeping white bridge, continue up the end of the lane at a T junction.  Turn left and follow it to the junction with the dual carriageway. Take the slip road (now closed to traffic) up and go down steps to the left, to a footway by the dual carriageway. Take the next left to the station. At the station building, go left into the car park and resume the standard route by going under the railway through a tunnel.
The towpath has been open at weekends and we have been assured that the work on the towpath will be open on the day of the event.

Changes for 2022
Organisational
The 2022 event is planned for 1st October, Individual and Relay.

General features of the start procedure from 2021 will be retained, but with Covid precautions lifted (if you are not infected).
Individual starts will be from 4 am to 7 am, on a rolling basis as in 2021.
More details of organisation

Route Changes:

Stage 2 from B18 to B22

Changes for 2021
(see below MWBC site plan for route changes)

Organisational
The 2021 event is planned for 9th October, Individual and Relay. The required permits have been received, so the event is going ahead.

Final Details to Registered Participants 

Thank you for entering the Round Rotherham for Saturday 9th Oct 2021
Entries have closed – No late entries or entry on the day

Please read these final details because they describe how the procedures for this year’s Round Rotherham are different from those in previous years. While the legally enforceable restrictions may have been lifted, the permits and licences required to put on the event do impose conditions. As you will be aware, Covid-19 is still around, and it is sensible to take precautions to try to prevent transmission of the virus. The procedures we are applying will come as little surprise to those who have been taking part in similar events since the relaxation of lock-down.

A schematic site plan is available (also shown below)

Main features:
1. Take 2 lateral flow Covid tests before the event
2. Don’t attend if you could be infected
3. Social distancing to be applied when you are not actively on the route.
4. You will need to select a 5-minute Registration time slot on the SiEntries website.
5. For the individual, you prepare, report to Registration (at your selected time), and go; no hanging around.
6. One-way systems operate at Registration, checkpoints and the Finish.
7. Mandatory equipment: Facemask to be worn inside buildings, mug for your drinks as well as your phone
8. Navigation information – 2021 written description, strip maps and GPS data are on https://tinyurl.com/RRRnav

Important – Condition of attending the event
Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms, recently tested positive, told by Track and Trace to quarantine or ‘pinged’ by the Covid-19 app must not attend, as participant, supporter or member of the organising team during their quarantine period.

To help with Covid security, everyone attending the event is requested to get two lateral flow tests in the week before the event, on the Monday or Tuesday and on the Friday. Kits are available free of charge from larger pharmacies, although from Monday 4th Oct you first need to get a 'Collect Code' first, online at gov.uk/get-collect-code We do not need to see your result – you are on your honour to get appropriate tests. An LFT is not required if you have tested positive on a PCR test for Covid in the last 90 days but are now recovered as LFTs can provide false positives.

Participants who are barred from attending by this condition can apply for a refund or deferral to next year.
If key officials are unable to attend, or if the government imposes a new lockdown, it may not be possible for the event to take place. If we have to cancel, you can either defer to next year or get a refund through SiEntries, less their administration fee (3% +VAT).

Anyone developing Covid in the days after the event should advise Test and Trace that they attended the event

When you are actively on the route, i.e. engaged in an ‘athletic activity’, there are no Covid restrictions, but do act courteously to members of the public on the route and give them space. The Covid restrictions primarily relate to access to the event centre, checkpoint refreshments and facilities.

There will be a Hygiene Station at the entrance to MWBC and checkpoint buildings. You are expected to sanitise your hands and don your face covering. In all buildings and at checkpoints, a one-way system will operate.

Mandatory equipment (for Solo): In addition to your mobile phone (as previously required) and appropriate clothing (assumed), participants must carry a face covering (to be worn whenever entering a building or an event vehicle, e.g. the broom wagon) and mug for drinks (there will be no disposable cups at checkpoints). Our emergency number, 078xxx , will be on your race number, maps and the written description. Use this number for assistance in the event of injury that prevents progress to the next checkpoint..

Mandatory equipment (for Relay): Face covering if you are to enter a building (Stage 1 for registration, Stage 8 for download, others for toilet access) and a mug if you want a drink from checkpoint refreshment areas.

Event Centre (MWBC) for Overnight Parking on Friday.
Please try to arrive between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Late arrivals can still enter the site – park quickly and quietly as others will be trying to sleep. If you park close to the building, you will need to move your vehicle to the Event Parking in the morning. During the day, the parking spaces near the building will be heavily used, as MWBC will be very busy.

Covid restrictions preclude overnight sleeping in the MWBC building. You can sleep in your car or camper, and will be directed to the Event Parking on the Beach. Alternatively, you can pitch a tent on the grass at the front (lake-side) of the building, parking nearer the building. After striking your tent in the morning, your vehicle needs to be moved to the Event Parking. Toilets will be accessible during the night from the building’s patio (see plan.
Once Registration is open in the morning, a boiler with hot water, tea and coffee will be operational for take-away drinks.

On the Day
Arrivals in the morning will be directed to the Event Parking. Consider the vehicle you arrive in to be your base.
If you will be arriving with no vehicle, e.g. by public transport, limited changing will be available in the changing rooms (‘Extra Toilets’ on plan) and a place will be available for your bags for the day (ask at Check-In).

Registration and the Start procedure.
Individual starts (nominal 4 am, 6 am and 7 am): Supporters should stay with their vehicle and not attend registration.

Participants should have refined their nominal start times (4, 6 or 7 am) by selecting a 5-minute registration time slot as described in an earlier email from SiEntries. If you have not selected your registration time slot, please do so now, up to Friday 8th.
Prepare yourself at your vehicle; if you want toilets call in the way to Registration. Present yourself at registration ‘ready to go,’ alongside any others you plan to go round with, for your selected time slot.

We will not be checking your arrival time at Registration. There is some flexibility but don’t rely on it. (Note, there is a deliberate gap in registrations from 4:10 to 5:20).
Neither will we be asking about Covid tests - you are on your honour to have taken appropriate tests.

Registration follows a one-way system in a boat storage bay in the MWBC building (not the usual location), after which you move to the Preparation Area/Start Pen.
At Check-in you will be issued with a race number – record any significant medical conditions on the back, and pin it to your clothing when you get to the Preparation Area/Start Pen. T-shirts (if ordered) will be issued. You can wear the T-shirt (put it on in the Start Pen), drop it at your vehicle after you have started or add it to your drop bag. Unfortunately, we have not been able to get badges. If you want a bag transferred to Woodsetts (4th checkpoint) bring it with you to Registration for the bag drop. Finally, you will be issued with your SIcard (timing chip) on a lanyard. Take care of it; there is a £30 fee for lost SIcards.

Next move to the Preparation Area/Start Pen in an adjacent bay. Printed copies of the strip map, written description and highlights of the (minor) changes will be available. These can be downloaded in advance from https://tinyurl.com/RRRnav - check that the date in the footnote is September or October 2021. This website has additional information, e.g. for travel to the event centre, driving route between checkpoints and GPS data. There will be pens (for writing salient information on the back of your race number) and pins. Get prepared, join up with your group ready for The Off..

Start procedure: You may set off in a group or individually. As you leave the start pen, you will dib your SIcard into an SI box; this will set the race clock going for you, and record you as being on the course. Once you have started, it is important that you report to the Finish, even if you retire. If arrangements are not taken to get the SIcard to the Finish or a checkpoint timing official, we have to assume that you are on the route, and an unnecessary search may be instigated.

When you dib your SI card check that it responds – the box should beep and lights flash. You will need to do the same at each checkpoint and at the Finish, or you will be marked as ‘Course incomplete’. The SI boxes will be fastened down on a firm surface – try not to touch the box itself to minimise the risk of Covid transmission. Note: you need to be ready to navigate from the ‘off,’ depending who starts with you.
You will pass through the event parking once you have started; if you need to go to your vehicle to pick up or drop something off you can do so, but within your event time.

Relay: The procedure will be broadly similar. The limited number of relay teams means that a mass start is possible; go to Check-In from 7:30. Only the first stage runner and the Team Manager should go to Registration. The first stage runner should go to the start pen after collecting the SIcard on its lanyard. The relay race time will begin when the Starter say ‘Go’, at 8:00. The Team Manager deals with the administration, e.g. advising of any changes to the team membership or running order, collecting numbers if necessary, and should inform other team members of any late information. The TM will also collect any T-shirts ordered, for distribution.

At Checkpoints
Sanitise your hands before dibbing your SIcard in the SIbox. Relay: Dib and then pass the SIcard to your next runner and step aside. Individual: follow one-way system past refreshments. No cups will be provided, so (as in LDWA events) you MUST carry your own mug; it will be filled with your selected drink from a jug. The refreshments will be more restricted than in previous years. If refreshments are indoors, or you want to visit the toilet (all but Hooton Roberts), you are expected to wear a face covering when inside the building unless seated.
Supporters of individuals should meet them away from checkpoints. Supporters of relay teams should keep well away from checkpoints, only the outgoing runner approaching the checkpoint when the incoming runner approaches.

At the Finish
Dib your SIcard in the Finish SIbox just outside the building and proceed to Download. You will be instructed to unclick the SIcard from the lanyard, dib in the Download box, collect the Results slip from the printer and put the SIcard and lanyard in appropriate trays. You can then go to your vehicle to change or collect clothes (showers, etc will be available). Later finishers can bring their vehicle to the parking by the building. For individuals, a meal will be available, served under controlled conditions by MWBC staff. Face coverings can be removed when seated.
Results will not be on display but will be available to view on your mobile phone or for your followers at home at:
https://www.sportident.co.uk/results/RHAC/2021/RoundRotherham Note: this will only show those who have finished, not live reports from checkpoints. Your results slip issued at download will have a QR code to link to the results.
There will be no prize presentation but trophies will be issued when confirmed.

The nature of the event means arrivals at the Finish are well spread out, but numbers in the ‘Finish’ area will need to be controlled. It may not be possible for supporters to join participants indoors. Once you have changed and refreshed yourself, please make space for others and make your way home.
 

#$@ Stage 1,  View: Thorpe Hesley to Scholes - easier navigation and better underfoot

From A21, follow path between fences and bear R, keeping on tarmac path to steps on left (New A22) to Health Centre parking. Go left of Well Pharmacy on path cut through gorse. At top of hill (New A23), turn left, follow ridge path on left of fields to Scholes (A24). Strip map and written description have been updated; GPS files have been updated.

Changes in 2015

LDWA members: There is an issue as to whether the Round Rotherham (and other non-LDWA events) should be listed in Strider.  There are trophies, so the RR is seen as a competition, against the ethos of LDWA Challenge Events.   Should trail events that are adapted to accommodate walkers, with (e.g.) time limit to allow at least steady walkers complete and adequate feed stations.  If you have some sympathy with the RR being listed in Strider, please read this document.  Feedback welcome to  Henry Marston
Click on 'I am a human', answer question(s) and then click on the Show it! button. You should be able to click on the email address to start an email.
Click on the Back button to go back to the web page

Change of date - to be brought forward 2 months.  Most people should be able to finish in daylight - and certainly there will be less dark, and less plough.

Route changes 2009:  Summary

4 route changes are already under consideration - to be confirmed.  
Changes marked # have been incorporated into written description, $ into Wainwright map

$#  Stage 2: THIS CHANGE RELATES TO DISPUTED A RIGHT OF WAY.  You will be advised on the day which route to take.

After Hilltop, take the path between fences to the left of the new buildings.  Follow path to pylon at bottom of hill. From here, there are two alternatives (to be confirmed on the day - it is expected that we will be taking the alternative fall-back route).

Original:  Cross stile by pylon, drop to RD, cross to track,  past steel gates if they are open for 30 m, R down small path to R of wooden gateposts, cross rough land/stile to RD.  If you see new house at end of track, you have gone too far. If gates are closed, go right for 20 metres and take grass path across field to lower road.
Fall-back:  Continue on path past pylon until it turns right (about 10 metres), drop down steep bank to road, cross and take grass path across field to lower road.  Turn left and follow road. 

In each case, follow road to hidden path on right, opposite first road in from the left and near bus shelters.

(from FP along edge of housing estate – Carlton-in-Lindrick) to RD. Turn L, 200 m, turn acute R on FP.  Warning – this FP is reported to be overgrown and flooded at the corner.  Instead, continue along the road for 15 m, turn right back on yourself and regain FP when possible.

Stage 6
On the approach to Maltby Church, a footbridge was closed for repair (as of July) for 6 months.  This has now been repaired - no change needed

Stage 7
A significant change is being introduced for Stage 7 (Maltby to Old Denaby) for safety, to avoid a long run on a dangerous road, AS BELOW:

From MALTBY checkpoint (6) LOCATION TO BE CONFIRMED Continue along RD, SA at crossroads to track. L in front of gate, follow wall round, first down 50 m, turn R, 100 m, ½R up walled track. Follow track 1.5 km to RD at farm. 

Change from here:  Turn R follow RD 200 m then L to Micklebring. Follow RD through village to 4-way junction.   Turn ½R, (L of small village green) to FP (signed) after barn after last house on L. Follow path on L of field to stile at L corner (below M18 motorway).  Take path alongside fence (below M18) over 3 stiles to surfaced track.  Turn R, under motorway, then L on track parallel to M18. After 100 m, R at stile, indistinct path (field edge) to FB (planks) over stream and R round end of hedge. Defined FP across field to gap in hedge, cross railway cutting on bridge. Cross stile to left of gate after bridge.  Follow track to L of fence (small trees on left), to end of fence. Cross track. Cross small field, to L end of hedge at opening. Don’t go through opening but take track to L of hedge to left of opening, to R of a field.  Follow track above reservoir (on left) and L of fenced area to hamlet. Turn R at track (beware of stone blocks blocking end of track)  

You are now on the old route at Firsby Hall Farm.  Follow track between buildings first  L and then R down over stream. Turn L on signed FP across field (uphill) to escarpment, ½ R to woods, immediately turn L down FP (½ L, following L edge of wood). Becomes track, then lane. At main RD (Hooton Roberts) go SA down lane, ½ R. Lane becomes track. Follow to L at end in field to gate, go down field to OLD DENABY checkpoint (7) at RD  Grid Reference SK 479988 (TBC) 

Wainwright map of changes  2007 changes still apply (you may need to right click, Save Target As... and open the Acrobat - .pdf - file),
printable summary of changes and Route in Pictures (stage 7) updated

5 Dec 2006:  GPS files have been updated to include route changes

Organisational changes for 2006: 

(a) Brampton Leisure Centre is closing, and we have negotiated a new venue, the DVC Sports Centre at the Dearne Valley College, which was passed 3 km from the finish in previous years.  It is signed from the Manvers roundabout (SE 454008) on the A6023, 8 km north of Rotherham.  Grid Ref SE 455003.  Directions in Final Details and our  web site. Optional basic Friday Night accommodation (£4 pp, bring sleeping bag – see Final Details).  This route is shown in pictures

(b) there will be one start for runners

Route Changes 2006

Stage 8: Old Denaby to Finish
From Swinton, follow illuminated cycle path to Dearne Valley College and where path emerges to college grounds (and road) turn L up and to the Sports Centre to finish.  This section is shown in pictures

§Stage 2 ( Brinsworth to Catcliffe):
We have reverted to the original route, modified by landscaping, but at least at present open, without last year's obstructing fences : go down Wood Lane to Europa Way, turn left on pavement and continue to the roundabout just after the airport landing lights. Turn L along the road and then along the line of the lights.  Continue to the field/site corner.   Down slope and then steps, under main road.  R after 40 m, 50 m then 150°L (very sharp) on path/track, on FP cross first RD, FP (between fences) then follow RD to Catcliffe. R at main RD, (short cut in front of houses), then L on signed path at RD junction. 

§Stage 7 (Ravenfield Common)
Turn Right after barn on slight Road bend after 40 sign.  Follow path ½ Left over stiles across 3 fields.  Note: the power line that used to be followed has been removed.  The line of the path can be followed - with care - to the stiles at each fence.  Bare ½ Right after the third stile, cross plank bridge to stile at corner of field leading to track.

(Stage 8 changes obsolete)

§ indicates changes incorporated into map and description (later on this page)