There were chaotic scenes at the start of the race (Picture: Twitter / Alex B / @northerngasman)

The Sheffield Half Marathon was cancelled moments before it was due to start because of insufficient water supplies.

Organisers cancelled the event this morning citing a safety risk and said that a water company did not deliver the required water supplies.

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In chaotic scenes, thousands of runners began the race as police attempted to put road blocks in place to stop them.


The official organisers said in a statement: ‘It is with huge disappointment and regret that we have been forced to cancel this year’s race due to a problem with the delivery of water.



‘We would like to express our sincerest apologies to everyone involved in the race who will be affected.’

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Over 5,000 people had entered the race and many were understandably unhappy that it was cancelled at such short notice.

Some spectators bought bottles of water from local shops and handed them out to the rebellious runners.

According to the Yorkshire Post, fears had first been raised when a 30-minute delay was initially announced, but as the scheduled start time got closer it was made clear that the race could not go ahead.