Changes in 2013:
Checkpoint 1 is being moved from the west end of the track through Grange Park to the pavilion in the adjacent fenced-off area with football pitches.  This will slightly extend Stage 1, but no additional climb.  Stage 2 will miss the gentle uphill and short steep downhill away from the checkpoint - now downhill quite steeply and along an old railway line.  Revised Description for Stage 1 
A29: Turn R towards Golf Course,  ½L after 40 m down bank, across CarPk to RD, L on RD, R on path before security gates
A30 (new waypoint): follow path between fence and hedge, bear L to park RD and fenced area. ChkPt on R at gates at fence corner.
Revised Description for Stage 2 
CP1: Continue to follow fence below CarPk, L at boulders, ½R to track above bridge, R on track 
B01: Follow track 290 m to sculpture at path Xing. ½L down path 
Stage 2:  RIGHT OF WAY RESOLVED (as of 2 May 2013).  
Follow 'improved' 'old' route, not 'alternative' route used for the last few years:
At Hilltop, cross road and take the path between fences to the left of the new buildings.  Follow path to pylon at bottom of hill and fork left through gap in hedge and follow path between hedge and pylon to road.  Cross road, go through gap to right of gate (by Footpath sign) and bear left along track. After 70 m, take path down steps to right and through cleared path in thickets to lower road.  Turn L and follow road to bus shelters.   See the route change in pictures
Stage 8:  Simplification, thanks to RMBC path-making and information passed on at the Clifton Park parkrun!
After canal, bear R up tarmac path in centre of playing field to RD.  Cross RD to (new) illuminated cycle track.  Follow it to Dearne Valley College. (joins up with cycle path previously used) 
Changes in 2012:
No significant changes have been reported for this year.  It is hoped to be able to revert to the original route from Meadowhall Road to Meadow Bank Road. However as of 10 Oct the route was a sea of nettles and brambles.  Maybe it has proved too daunting for RMBC staff to clear. Use the diversion used the last few years unless alternative instructions are given on the day. 
Changes in 2011:
Stage 2: THIS CHANGE RELATES TO DISPUTED A RIGHT OF WAY.  
Until ROW is confirmed follow alternative route:
At Hilltop, cross road and take the path between fences to the left of the new buildings.  Follow path to pylon at bottom of hill.  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.  
The public enquiry endorsed the ROW, but with a caveat that could be appealed - outcome awaited.
Stage 5/6
The village hall used for the Firbeck checkpoint for the last few years has closed; the checkpoint will now be in the hall on the opposite (left) of the track as you approach Firbeck.  Recce runs and team stage lengths are not affected.
Stage 6/7
The Maltby checkpoint is being relocated at the village hall, on the right after passing through the churchyard.  
Consequently, Stage 6 is reduced in length, Stage 7 lengthened by 1.2 km.  This means that Stage 6 will be the third longest stage in the event. 
For 2 person relay teams, the odd stage runner now gets the 3 longest stages, 1, 3 and 7 (total 49.8 km, c.f. 31.2)
Stage 7
Crossing fields from Micklebring to Firsby Hall Farm, trees on either side of a track have been ploughed up, making a large, open field, requiring care in navigation.  Revised instructions from field bridge (change in italics):
Take defined FP across field to gap in hedge (aim for white “Heron Way” disk on brow of hill) on bearing of 268°, cross railway cutting on bridge. Cross stile to left of gate after bridge.  Bear half right (302° - turn through 30°) and cross field to gap in hedge, to left of high point of ridge; do not drop into valley on left.   Cross track (R then L). Cross field, to L end of hedge at opening. Don’t go through opening but take track to L of hedge.  Follow track above reservoir (on left) bear L on path to L of fenced area to hamlet.  Turn R.  You are now on the old route at Firsby Hall Farm.
Changes in 2010:
Stage 2: Brinsworth to Catcliffe  This route in now definitively defined, following various landscaping and development works.
Follow Wood Lane through to roundabout on access road for (former) airport, turn left to follow road to next roundabout at bus shelter (Aston Hotel on left).  Turn L at roundabout, then take ROW on right, opposite third lamppost on this road.  Follow direction of arrow on path to stile close to main road. Cross stile, turn left and follow path between fences to steps leading to path under bridge.
Catcliffe to Treeton - As in 2009 and following effective completion of the landscaping work, we will use the 'old' route parallel to river: R at main RD, (short cut in front of houses), then L on FP over earthbank at RD junction. Follow cycle path along right bank of the river, cross the large grey-green bridge, initially right and then go straight up to cross FB over RWY.  
Stage 4
Lindrick Golf Course - A subway has been constructed under the A57, and a permissive path goes through it. 
After climbing up from the stream crossing at the boundary of the golf course, fork right along a track past a shed (following yellow posts).  Fork left obeying  Permissive Path sign, then left to tunnel.  On leaving tunnel, turn left as signed, passing to right of green to next sign (partially hidden by trees) going behind line of bushes.  Follow edge of vegetation to path at corner.  The next path crosses a fairway, emerging opposite the lane leading to Woodsetts.  
Stage 8
Swinton to Finish:  The route to the Finish shown on the maps and described in the written description is that to be used in any recce runs.  It is anticipated that on the day a route will be taped  from the 'illuminated cycle path' to the Finish Line back of the sports centre.

Changes in 2009:
Organisational Changes 2009
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:   
CP 2:  Treeton checkpoint/feedstation: moved to cricket pavilion, 100 m straight up Washfield Lane from footbridge over railway.  Checkpoint at gate to cricket grounds, feedstation at pavilion.  
Stage 3: From checkpoint, go out of gate, turn R, take field path along top boundary of cricket ground (footpath and TPT signs).  Keep straight on until path starts to go downhill, then go Right through stone squeeze (obstruction to stop motor cycles) / under a telephone wire to footpath (half right) leading to bend in track, opposite concrete bridge leading to lakeside path.  
Stage 4: change of Right of Way after level crossing at Turnerwood
Cross RWY, turn R, follow path on L bank of ditch towards farm complex. Go round back of farm (to L) and at track turn L uphill along track towards woods. 
Stage 8:  From Swinton. Follow canal towpath under bridge, then Right up field to road, cross to stile, follow path half right across field to a line of  bushes.  Go to the right of the bushes, then sharp left behind them to a gap leading to a path and stile; join cycle track.  Follow this to DVC.  (replaces route along Hatherley Rd).  
Changes in 2008:
Stage 2. From Hilltop. SA on fenced path at L of new houses. SA and slightly R alongside fence to pylon at bottom of hill. Cross stile by pylon, drop to RD, cross to track, through steel gates (to be opened on the day, but may be closed on your recce runs, climb through fence) 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.
NB if there are any problems at gated track, take field path through rough land to right of gates, to lower road, 
Minor change at Tinsley - shorter route to road after crossing canal after locks
Harthill: checkpoint in hall
Firsby: checkpoint at WMC
Changes in 2007:There will be three starts: 6:00 for walkers, 7:00 for runners, 8:00 for relay teams.
Stage 1
Grange Park Checkpoint is to be moved from the access road to the track between the Golf Driving Range and the fenced-off football pitches, i.e. about 500 m further on. 
Stage 2
From Hilltop. SA on fenced path at L of CP (behind houses). SA and slightly R alongside fence to pylon at bottom of hill. Cross stile by pylon, drop to RD, cross to track, through steel gates, for 20 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. 
Near Sheffield Airport - Turn R down Wood Lane (road works - no road sign).  L at end, at new roundabout (The Car People on L, airport on R), follow RD to roundabout after bus shelter. L on site RD, follow line of landing lights to field/site corner adjacent to main RD, down steps and follow fence below main RD and R after bridge. Then L at end of fence on path across rough land, fork R twice, emerge onto open land then L alongside hedge to FP to L of wooden fence in front of houses. Follow FP, cross RD, FP between fences. Follow RD to Catcliffe. L at main RD, R at mini roundabout, follow RD to L bend, past track (to Wilf Jay's), R at FP sign, through gate up bank, follow path to fence, turn L. Follow fence, R at corner, then L to cross FB over RWY to TREETON checkpoint
Stage 5
(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 – find alternative route to left of fence, below reclaimed spoil heaps.  Regain FP when possible.
Stage 7 
Significant changes are being impemented for Stage 7 (Maltby to Old Denaby): 
From MALTBY checkpoint (6) 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 (Open 13:10 to 21:30)  
Changes in 2006:
New Event Centre:  the Manvers Sports Centre at the Dearne Valley College  
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, 8km 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, at 7:30, as well as 6 am for walkers, 8:30 for relay teams. 
This will affect at least Stages 1 and 8 - further details below 5 Dec: GPS files have been updated to include route changes.
Route Changes 2006
Stage 1: Start to Grange 
Significant change.   Leave Event Centre, follow College road to roundabout, cross it to Manvers roundabout.  Take 3rd exit Barnsley A6023 (to right of MANVERS sign) on FP/cycle track. Pass 4 roundabouts.  Continue on FP to fork.  Bear L, then R, up slope to Blue Bridge.  Cross BR, L, then fork R across grass to lakeside path.  At end of lake, bear L (do not cross bridge) to path junction.  L along main (level) hard-surfaced FP, signed TPT.  Keep on this hard-surfaced FP, under bridges, and follow it right across a BR to a RD.  Cross RD, under metal arch, after 200 m bear L, signed Elsecar, on narrow path, cross RD (under another arch). Surfaced path, parallel to dual carriageway, to access RD to Retail Park.  Cross Rd, R of Morrisons, down slope, following surfaced path, bear R after clear area, eventually joining canal towpath.  Next landmark: Elsecar.  This section is shown in pictures  There is also a printable description with map  (for best results, Save target as... and then print with Adobe Acrobat).
Stage 2: (Brinsworth to Catcliffe):
Site work on Europa Way obstructs route past the airport landing lights. 
After turning down Wood Lane, turn L at end of concrete bridge, up bank to flat land (development site).  Follow black wire mesh fence, on good land adjacent to fence (keep on flat land when gully appears next to fence).  Continue to field/site corner adjacent to main RD, down steps and follow fence below main RD and R after bridge.  Then L at end of fence on path across rough land, fork R twice, emerge onto open land then L alongside hedge to FP to L of wooden fence in front of houses.  Follow FP, cross RD, FP between fences. Follow RD to Catcliffe.   This section is shown in pictures Stage 3
In Rother Valley Park. Do not turn right off park access road as in previous years.  Instead, follow park access RD to main RD.  Cross RD, turn R (downhill).  L along tarmac track just before stream (bridge).  Follow track to canal, merge to towpath, uphill (Norwood). Follow canal bank. 
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
Changes 2005:  
Stage 2  (Map strip 5) ( Brinsworth to Catcliffe):
Paths around Sheffield Airport have been closed (now reopened).
Stage 7 (Map strip 14)  (Ravenfield Common)
Turn R after barn on slight RD bend after 40 sign. Follow path half 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 half right after the third stile, cross plank bridge to stile at corner of field leading to track.
Changes 2004:  Mainly temporarily and permanently blocked paths.
Stage 2: (Map strip 3)
Within Grange Park, there are now even more fences.  Follow park road for 100 m, turn L and follow to road bend and gates in security fence.  Turn right following path/surfaced path between fences and hedge, (New bit) Keep going in same general direction, down, across park road and up following fence round football pitches, Left at corner. At end of low wooden pole fence, turn Right along edge of rough ground to SMALL path.  You are now back on route.
Stage 2: (Map strip 5)
The field with the landing lights of Sheffield Airport is now fenced off  - FURTHER CHANGES FOR 2005 – see above
Changes 2003: (mostly changes of scenery except at Harthill)
Grange Park (map strip 3) - there is a new security fence after the car park –see 2004
Meadow Hall Road A6109  (map strip 4)
New security fencing around warehouses and alongside the railways can hide the path (on approach to river path) 
Harthill checkpoint  (No. 3)  (map strips 8 and 9) has been moved - after 4th stile, turn half right across field to car park by children's playground, instead of half left to follow hedge.  Leaving checkpoint, left on minor road towards main road (take snicket after pub), cross road, turn left and go right up steps, a signed footpath, after wide drive.
Approaching the main road before Roche Abbey, there is now a kissing gate on the left (Strip 12).
At Swinton, the water tower (a noted landmark) has been demolished (Strip 15)
In Wath-on-Dearne, KwikSave is now Tesco (Strip 16)

Changes 2002:
Checkpoint 2 has been moved from Fence to Treeton, 1.7 km earlier, after the footbridge over the railway. 
All supporter's cars to be parked ABOVE the new housing estate, on Washfield Lane, Treeton.

Changes 2001:
At Thorpe Hesley, after going down through a housing estate, work half left past one hedge and up to a gap in a second hedge. Then straight up to the ridge where the path goes left (previously we went half right to the ridge after the gap in the second hedge).
After Fence, the turn off the main road goes straight onto a cycle path leading to the railway viaduct - yet another annoying 'improved' section! There was a good paddle there!
After Rother Valley Park, the canal towpath from Norwood is open again (last year there was a diversion down the road)
After Swinton, after leaving the side arm of the canal, the new path to Dearne Valley College is now the preferred route (the old route alongside the railway is not viable, especially after dark - it may even be closed off). Up to the road, left, right and pick up the new path (last year under construction) at the first corner.

Updated 18 February 2014