Thousands of fun-runners, fundraisers and club runners came together to take part in the City’s charity road run, the Leeds 10K – and records were broken as Heather Townsend crossed the line in the fastest time for a female at a Leeds 10K.
Rob Burrow MBE, wife Lindsey and children Macy, Maya and Jackson were joined by groups of families, schools and friends at the Arena Group Leeds Mini and Junior run. The event, which fittingly coincided with Father’s Day, saw Rob take his truly deserved lap of honour following on from the success of the inaugural Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, in partnership with Clarion.
Started by Jane Tomlinson in 2007, the Leeds 10K was her lasting legacy event. Having raised £1.8million for charity while she was battling terminal cancer, in 2006 Jane knew her time left to fundraise was limited. As a result, Jane decided to set up the Leeds 10K to continue the fundraising vehicle for charities that she had started.
The day saw all corners of the City come out to show their support, from running clubs, spectators, volunteers, schools and universities. The event highlighted the incredible communities in and around the city of Leeds.
Organised by Run For All, in partnership with Leeds City Council, the 10K race started outside the Parkinson Steps at the University of Leeds at 9.00am. Runners then followed a course that took them along Headingley Lane and onto Otley Road, before turning off into Meanwood at Grove Lane, following Meanwood Road and Lovell Park Road, then heading back into the City Centre for the big finish on the Headrow.
First elite Wheelchair participant across the line was Bret Crossley in a time of 00:26:20, followed by Stuart Bloor in a time of 00:33:28.
First male across the finish line was Benjamin Douglas in a time of 00:32:05. Brogan Mccawley took second place in 00:32:12 with Tom Dart in third in 00:32:34.
Heather Townsend, who crossed the finish line in a time of 00:34:02. Heather was followed by Sarah Hunter who clocked 00:35:50 for second place and Sarah Kemshall who took third in 00:36:12.
Both the Arena Group Leeds Mini and Junior runs started and finished at the Parkinson Steps of the University of Leeds. The 2.35km junior event started at 9.45am, followed by the 1.5km Mini event at 9.55am. This was a great way for parents and children to stay active and healthy together, with children encouraged to fundraise for the event’s main partner charity, Martin House.
Martin House is a charity that provides hospice care for children and young people across West, North and East Yorkshire. The hospice provides family-led care to children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses, either at the hospice or in families’ own homes.
The day also saw teams from across the region come together to take part in the Leeds 10K Clarion Team Challenge. Teams of colleagues, running buddies and friends came together to battle it out to be crowned Team Challenge champions. The results will be announced in due course.
Clarion’s title sponsorship builds on the leading law firm’s long-standing support of Run For All, having supported the event since it’s inaugural year in 2007. Roger Hutton, Joint Managing Partner at Clarion: “Congratulations to everyone that took part in the Leeds 10k and Team Challenge on Sunday. A fabulous day and an amazing atmosphere that we are so proud to support, it was great to once again have Leeds brimming with so many runners and supporters. To see so many people coming together, having fun and raising funds for so many charities is wonderful.”
Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All: “We want to say a huge well done and thank you to all runners who joined us today. With the addition of the Arena Group Leeds Mini and Junior events and Team Challenge, it has been a fantastic day of running and fundraising for all those involved.
It was an honour to have Rob Burrow MBE and his family join us at the start line. Following on from the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon last month, Rob has opened the doors to mass participation, inspiring participants of all abilities to take on their own sporting challenge.
The enthusiasm and support from everyone involved, from the participants themselves to the many spectators, sponsors, partners and volunteers, all ensured the day was a fantastic success.”
As part of the event, runners have been encouraged to fundraise for their own charity of choice or one of the event’s partner charities. This year’s partner charities include: The Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Leeds Hospitals Charity, Leeds Mind, Macmillan Cancer Support, St George’s Crypt and Candlelighters.
The Leeds 10K is supported by: Leeds City Council, University of Leeds, BBC Radio Leeds, Clarion, Arla Protein, High 5, Shokz, Active Leeds, Coopah, Up & Running, Marathon Photos Live, the Yorkshire Society, John Hammond and the Business Desk.
Entries for next year’s Leeds 10K, taking place on Sunday 23rd June are now open. Potential participants are encouraged to visit www.runforall.com for a limited time only discounted offer.
