Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park welcomed boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and runners from across the community for the Matchroom Fight Day 5K on Saturday 24 October.
Hosted at Steel City Stadium, the event saw boxing fans, running enthusiasts and local residents take part in a 5K route around the Park, with Chair of Matchroom Sport, Eddie Hearn, joining participants to take on the challenge.
The run formed part of the build up to a huge night of boxing at Utilita Arena Sheffield, with local hero Dalton Smith successfully defending his WBC World Super Lightweight Championship against Alberto Puello.
The aim of the Fight Day 5K is to bring people together to promote health, fitness and wellbeing, encourage an active lifestyle, and create a sense of camaraderie among participants. Beyond the physical challenge, the event also highlights the power of sport to unite communities, inspire positive change and help support grassroots initiatives.
This was the fourth Fight Day 5K to take place at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park as part of its ongoing partnership with Matchroom. The relationship extends beyond sporting events, with Matchroom Charitable Foundation providing valuable support to the Park’s grant giving programme, Sheffield Legacy Fund, over the past two years.
Since April 2025, the Foundation has generously donated £50,000 to the Fund, helping grassroots community organisations deliver activities designed to improve physical and mental health, enhance wellbeing and promote social inclusion.
Established in 2023, Sheffield Legacy Fund awards grants of up to £1,000 to community groups operating within a three-mile radius of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. The grants help local organisations create opportunities for people to become more active, build connections and access activities that positively impact their lives.
The Fund has so far donated £84,000 to over 90 worthwhile causes in the local area, making a difference to the lives of over 10,000 people.
Alex Le Guével, Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing, said: “It was fantastic to be back at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park for another Fight Day 5K, particularly on such a big day for Sheffield boxing.
“Sheffield has an incredible sporting heritage and we’re proud of our ongoing partnership with Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. Through events like this and the support of Matchroom Charitable Foundation, we want to encourage more people to get active and help create opportunities for local communities.”
Claire Fretwell, Operations Manager at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Matchroom community back to the Park for another Fight Day 5K.
“Our partnership with Matchroom is a great example of how we can work together to connect elite sport with grassroots participation and create a lasting positive impact for our local communities.
“We’re particularly grateful for the continued support of Matchroom Charitable Foundation, whose generous contributions to Sheffield Legacy Fund are helping local organisations provide support and opportunities for people to improve their health and wellbeing.”
Hosting the Matchroom Fight Day 5K reinforces Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park’s role as a destination for sport, health and wellbeing. Through partnerships that bring people together, encourage participation and invest in grassroots organisations, the Park continues to work towards a lasting sporting and community legacy for Sheffield and the wider region.
Pictured L-R: Alex Le Guével, Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing – Claire Fretwell, Operations Manager at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park – Eddie Hearn, Chair of Matchroom Sport.
Photo: Bran Holloway, Matchroom Boxing
